Well, Mancs, it’s that time again – time to lace up our running shoes, get our homemade signs at the ready and pray for good weather as the Manchester Marathon is nearly hereand we have tips.
2024 is already shaping up to be a historic year for one of Europe’s most popular races and the UK’s second flattest marathon (good news for those of you taking part) and we genuinely can’t wait to see the city and the rest of Greater Manchester buzzing with excitement as hordes of runners descend on 0161.
But before we come flying out of the traps too fast, you know what they say: fail to prepare, prepare to fail. Luckily, we’re sure all of you wonderful people have been putting the same graft into training as you do any other day. Nevertheless, we’ve still got some extra bits of useful advice for this final week.
And it’s not just from us part-time runners; Team GB Olympic marathon runner and professional adidas athlete, Steph Kessell (née Davis) has been kind enough to share her seven biggest tips to make sure you’re all sorted for when you hear the starting pistol. Let’s hand it over to the expert, shall we?
Pro runner Steph Kessell has given us here top tips for the Manchester Marathon (Credit: adidas Manchester Marathon)
Seven top tips for the 2024 adidas Manchester Marathon
1. Taper
In the final week, your overall training volume and intensity should have dropped to less than 50% so you can get to the start line of the marathon feeling fresh and raring to go.
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Your last higher-intensity session should be four to five days before the marathon and include some marathon-paced intervals, but not many of them! You can find suggested event week sessions in the Manchester Marathon training plans HERE.
2. SLEEP!
Sounds simple but we can’t stress enough how big a step this is as sleep is the most important recovery aid. Hopefully, you have been getting plenty of sleep throughout your training block but during this final week prioritise early nights and aim to get your 8 hours.
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It’s common to not sleep very well the night before the challenge but don’t stress; if you’ve been able to sleep well in the build-up, then this won’t affect your event. If you can’t sleep, try to stay in bed and relax – this is still good rest and recovery time.
3. Hydrate
If there’s even just one of these tips that you take seriously for the Manchester Marathon, make it this. (Credit: Nigel Msipa via Unsplash)
Again, sounds simple but so crucial. You want to go into race day feeling hydrated, as dehydration has a negative effect on performance, even if it’s not that warm outside. Carry a water bottle around with you to remind you to drink regularly aiming for at least 1.5 litres a day right up until the big day.
If you have some electrolyte tabs handy then take one daily as well as one the evening before the event to ensure you are extra hydrated come your start time.
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4. Make sure to prep your kit properly
If you haven’t worn your event day kit for a run yet, then this is your final chance to test it out. You want to feel comfortable, wear the right amount of layers and avoid chafing. Nothing is more annoying than being distracted by an itchy hat or the wrong pair of undies (yeah, we said it).
From sports bras, socks, heart rate monitors, race belts and hydration packs, try absolutely everything that you plan to wear when it’s go-time the night before at the very least, so that way you can feel confident on the start line.
5. Strategise
At the start of event week write out a plan for the event day. What pace will you start at? When will you take on fuel? Where are the water, gels and toilet stops? It all counts and most importantly helps keep you in control. When you’ve planned this out in advance and read over it again and again before the day, it’ll help you feel more relaxed and confident because you already what you’re going to do.
A detailed plan can also be a good distraction from the nerves as it gives you something to focus on. Break it down into five to seven stages or so and take each part as it comes. You can find info on all of this HERE.
Credit: MCR Marathon
6. Plan how you’re getting there
Another one that will help ease your nerves. Don’t leave it until the morning of to decide how you are going to travel there. Plan out your route and leave plenty of time to get there.
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A leisurely start to the day will be more pleasant than a last-minute frantic dash trying to find the bag drop and loos. You can find plenty of useful travel information and more in our full guide to the 2024 Manchester Marathon.
7. Stay warm
We mean this both figuratively and literally. Marathons often require an early start which means it can be cold (and it is Manchester, after all), so as well as warming up, stretching and keeping those limbs loose, bring a top or jumper you want to donate to charity to keep you warm at the start line.
At the Manchester Marathon, you can keep wearing this right up until the end of the start chute where you will see signs to show you where to donate it as you get close to the start gantry — just make sure that you don’t drop it too early! It’s a nice touch that we love.
And that should just about do ya’. We’re strong believers in preparation playing a key part in all walks of life and, in this case, the bits where you’re running too. Cheers for the help, Steph.
At the end of the day, it’s also worth reminding that the Manchester Marathon is also just an incredible day for the city and the region as a whole too, so tips or not just go out there and enjoy it.
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We’re glad to inform you that we’ll have feet on the ground representing The Manc as well, so you’re not this alone – in fact, far from it as there’s a record 32,000 of us taking part this year.
Real Betis star says club needs ‘crowdfunding’ to keep controversial Manchester United loanee
Danny Jones
Real Betis fans, players, and staff alike have become quite taken with Manchester United loanee Antony following his move to the Spanish club back in January, so much so that first-team star Isco has called for a crowdfunder to keep him there permanently.
Since arriving at the start of the year, the Brazilian winger has gone on to score four and assist just as many in 12 games across all competitions, which is quite the return compared to just a dozen goals in nearly a century of appearances for Man United.
Whilst the former Real Madrid midfielder was only being half-serious, as hit stats since joining the Seville-based side speak for themselves, he couldn’t have been more sincere in his hopes of keeping Antony at the club for “at least another year.”
Speaking to DAZN following a huge win in the Seville derby – the club’s first victory against Sevilla in the league since 2018 – Isco made it abundantly clear that he and the rest of the team want and need his new attacking partner to stay.
The 32-year-old, who has linked up with Antony on a number of occasions already, told reporters: “We have to crowdfund so he can stay at least another year. We’ve noticed a change since he arrived – he brings us a lot.”
Betis might not be the biggest or wealthiest club in Spain, but remaining within the European places (currently sixth) could prove crucial to their spending this summer, with making Antony’s loan permanent or at least extending further undoubtedly top of the list given the impact he’s had since arriving.
Nevertheless, the biggest problem when it comes to potentially buying the 25-year-old is his salary, as the £86 million signing from Ajax brought to Old Trafford by Erik ten Hag is said to be earning in excess of £100,000 a week.
At present, Real Betis are said to be covering 84% of his wages, and while he’s definitely been worth the financial outlay so far, securing his services full-time could prove fairly tricky and/or costly.
His time at United hasn’t exactly been smooth sailing, as not only were there big questions marks around his price tag from the off, but he’s been a divisive member of the squad, to say the least.
Not only has he struggled to make a regular impact in the Premier League goal with just one goal and three assists since his arrival back in September 2022, but he’s also been ridiculed for some of his ‘unnecessary’ antics. Meanwhile, he’s looked like a player reborn at Betis:
Fellow first-team talisman Isco went on to add, “I’m happy to have Antony here. He’s surprised us all with his humility and desire to help.”
Both he and Betis are said to have made it expressly clear that they’d like for his future to remain at the Villamarin Stadium, and it’s fair to say that plenty of United fans wouldn’t mind cashing in on him if possible – some probably more keen than others.
It’s also worth noting that Antony was embroiled in another controversy after being accused of domestic assault, though the charges were ultimately dropped back in August 2024.
Regardless, what supporters make of him is largely irrelevant at this point, as head coach Ruben Amorim will be looking to rebuild the squad with players of his choosing as much as possible come the summer.
That being said, the club has warned that incomings during the transfer window are dependent on sales, meaning letting Antony could make sense for all parties involved, as United are likely looking to better balance their books following Jim Ratcliffe’s revelations regarding the state of their finances.
What do you think, Reds? Would you sell him, or are you hoping he brings that form back to Manchester?
Unfortunately, Betis fans, we’re not sure where a crowdfunder would fit in with FFP and PSR rules, so you might just have to hope United and Antony are willing to play ball.
Isco and Antony were two of Real Betis’ biggest threats against Sevilla.
Featured Images — DAZN (screenshot)/Ardfern (via Wikimedia Commons)
Sport
Manchester Storm legend Cam Critchlow announces retirement
Danny Jones
It’s an emotional day for Manchester Storm die-hards as club legend Cam Critchlow has revealed he will soon be retiring.
Consider this well and truly the end of an era, not just for the local side but for the Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL) and followers of the game up and down the country.
Manchester Storm supporters have said goodbye to the Cam Critchlow before – more than once, in fact – but this time, we’re sad to say, it’s for good. No, really this time.
Confirmed via an official announcement on Friday evening, 2025 is set to be his last year not only as an EIHL star but as a professional ice hockey player full stop.
Sharing an emotional goodbye in a lengthy and heartfelt statement, the club wrote: “Manchester Storm are set to bid farewell to a true club legend, as it has today been confirmed that Captain Cam Critchlow will be retiring from professional hockey at the end of this season.
“After an illustrious career, Critchlow will hang up his skates, leaving behind a legacy that will be cherished by fans, teammates, and the entire Storm community.”
The 33-year-old began his playing days back in his home country of Canada before a period in Australia and eventually on the ECHL developmental tier, which serves as a proving ground for the American Hockey League and North American’s premier hockey division, the NHL.
Fast forward to 2018, when Critchlow made his EIHL and Storm debut, it’s fair to say few could have predicted just how much of an icon he would become for the club over the next half-decade, going on to mark his fifth season in Altrincham this year – technically across three spells, but who’s counting?
In addition to the wealth of experience he brought to the team, they describe his contributions as “immeasurable”, a sentiment we’re sure supporters would agree with. Speaking in an extensive and candid interview with the club, he said simply: “It’s the most amazing thing I’ve ever been able to do.”
For Cam Critchlow, retiring was “the most difficult decision” but one that feels like the right one.
To put it in the words of the club, “Over these years, he has been the heartbeat of the Storm, offering leadership, skill, and commitment both on and off the ice.
“As team captain, his work ethic and dedication to the game have been an inspiration to his teammates, and his passion for the sport has endeared him to fans across the region.”
It goes without saying that he has remained one of Manchester Storm’s top performers from start to fairytale returns and now his twilight ending, racking up 203 points and an impressive 260 PIMs in 296 appearances for the local outfit, boasting a total of 68 goals and 135 assists.
Going on to earn dual citizenship here in the UK, he’s also gone on to represent Great Britain more than a dozen times too. Impact, longevity and commitment.
Former Storm colleague Matt Ginn wrote: “Congrats on an outstanding career. Just truly one of the best. As good of a player, captain, leader, and teammate you were, you’re an even better person, and I’m lucky to call you a friend.” He’s also gone on to help inspire the next generation of Manc players.
@Critchlow11 congrats on your well earned retirement! Jack has loved watching you play, and you have been such an inspiration to him – so much so he plays as #11 for the academy 🏒 wishing you all the best ☺️ pic.twitter.com/y30mo0XH7O
Storm went on to add: “His on-ice performances will forever be etched in the history of the club, but it is his leadership and character that will leave the most lasting impression.”
Expressing their gratitude for his years of service, they also wished him “nothing but success in all future endeavours”; surely a coaching career beckons next?
In celebration of his illustrious career, the Storm Shelter is set to honour ‘Cap Cam’ as part of a celebration on Friday, 4 April, when they host Guildford Flames at Planet Ice.
They signed off by encouraging fans “to join the club as we come together to celebrate Cam Critchlow’s extraordinary journey and bid him a fond farewell. It promises to be a memorable occasion and a fitting tribute to one of the finest captains the team has ever had.
“Thank you, Cam, for everything you have done for the Manchester Storm. Your efforts will never be forgotten.”
Danny Jones -
7th April 2024 
