News

The 2025 Manchester Marathon is set to create the UK’s biggest-ever day of running

Are going to be part of history this year?

Danny Jones Danny Jones - 28th March 2025

The 2025 Manchester Marathon is just a month away now and as this year’s race is once again set to coincide with another major event (quite literally), it’s about to become the biggest day of running in UK history.

Like, ever…

Greater Manchester is no stranger to making sporting history, be it athletics, football, tennis or otherwise – you name it, we can lay our claim to plenty.

However, stuff like this always makes us feel part of something truly ‘greater’ and genuinely special as the tens of thousands preparing to run through the city centre and surrounding areas are about to put us in the record books in the running world.

manchester marathon history
Credit: Manchester Marathon

As more than 36,000 racers, joggers, fundraisers and downright legends are scheduled to take on the Manchester Marathon this year – with the annual event on course to break its attendance record – even more will be taking on the equivalent down south, given it is one of the official World Majors.

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Recently, the Manchester and London Marathons have been colliding, and with the 2025 editions of both due to take place on the same day for the second year in a row, it means there’ll be an unprecedented number of participants taking on the 26.2-mile challenge.

More accurately, it’s predicted that over 90,000 runners will be out on the roads of the nation’s capital and its second city (yeah, you heard us, Birmingham), which will be the greatest concurrent number in British history – at least on record when it comes to marathons.

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The potential milestones don’t stop with just those taking part, either; as per an official press release from the event time, it’s predicted to be a record-breaking day for charity too.

An estimated £80m is set to be raised for charitable causes, including the adidas Manchester Marathon charity partners: the British Heart Foundation, Alzheimer’s Society, The Christie and Cancer Research UK. Incredible stuff.

Commenting on what will be a historic day for UK Marathons, Andrew Smith, CEO of A.S.O. UK, said: “Having the adidas Manchester Marathon and the London Marathon take place on the same day — Sunday 27th April — marks a landmark moment for British running.

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“We’re incredibly proud to be part of this historic occasion, inspiring 90,000 people to take on 26.2 miles, supported by nearly a million spectators across the country.

“This year’s brand-new city centre finish [line] in Manchester will bring a whole new energy, and the friendly North vs South rivalry will only make the atmosphere even more electric.”

As if all this wasn’t already momentous enough, nearly a million spectators are expected to line the streets to cheer on all the PB hopefuls and fundraisers – we can only hope for similarly groundbreaking crowds and levels of support to mark the occasion.

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For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — adidas Manchester Marathon (supplied)

News

Police launch investigation after a 19-year-old is stabbed in broad daylight at an Oldham retail park

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

A police investigation has been launched after a stabbing in a ‘very public place’ in Oldham yesterday afternoon.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) explained that officers were called out to Alexandra Retail Park in Oldham yesterday afternoon ( Sunday 30 March 2025) at 3:25pm, and when they arrived on the scene, they found that a 19-year-old man had been stabbed.

The victim was taken to hospital with ‘serious injuries’, and GMP assures that he and his family are being supported at this time.

A scene remains in place at the retail park and some of the surrounding areas while the investigation is ongoing, and a large police presence can also been seen too as officers continue to collect evidence and piece together the events of what happened.

No arrests have been made as of yet.

Police also believe the attack to be an ‘isolated incident’ with those involved known to each other, indicating no threat to the wider public.

“We understand this incident is shocking and took place in a very public space,” commented Inspector Andrew Clayton.

“There have been no arrests so far, but enquiries are ongoing to determine who is responsible. At this stage, we do believe the attack to be an isolated incident involving those known to one another.”

Alexandra Retail Park, where the incident occurred yesterday afternoon / Credit: Google Maps

In a bid to gather as much information as possible, a public police appeal has been made.

Inspector Clayton continues: “We have spoken to a number of witnesses so far, but would encourage anyone who believes they have any information or dash cam footage which could assist our investigation, particularly that which may help us identify the perpetrators, to come forward.”

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Anyone with any information is asked to contact GMP on 101, quoting log 1757 of 30/03/25, or by getting in touch with Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Featured Image – Wikimedia Commons

News

Michael Ball and Alfie Boe at AO Arena, Manchester – tickets, times, setlist, and more for tour

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia

Michael Ball and Alfie Boe are bringing their Together At Home tour to Manchester, here’s everything you need to know for their AO Arena gig.

The boys are back in town, and by the boys we mean multi-million selling vocalists Michael Ball and Alfie Boe, who are heading to Manchester this month.

This duo are no stranger to each other’s company making six collaborative albums since 2016 covering songs from The Greatest Showman, The Lion King and New York, New York.

Their latest release ‘Together At Home’ which doubles as the name for the tour sees the pair back to their good old tricks covering hits like ‘He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother’ and ‘Ferry Cross The Mersey’.

These two powerhouses know how to sing in style and that’s why they’ve chosen the impressive AO Arena to host their brand new show.

Michael Ball and Alfie Boe UK tour dates

  • Sat 29 March – Cardiff, UK – Utilita Arena
  • Sun 30 March – Bournemouth, UK – International Centre
  • Tue 1 April – Nottingham, UK – Motorpoint Arena
  • Wed 2 April – Newcastle, UK – Utilita Arena
  • Fri 4 April – Manchester, UK – AO Arena
  • Sat 5 April – Liverpool, UK – M&S Bank Arena
  • Mon 7 April – Aberdeen, UK – P&J Live
  • Tue 8 April – Glasgow, UK – OVO Hydro
  • Thu 10 April – Leeds, UK – First Direct Arena
  • Fri 11 April – Birmingham, UK – BP Pulse Live
  • Sun 13 April – London, UK – The O2
  • Mon 14 April – Brighton, UK – Brighton Centre

Michael Ball and Alfie Boe tickets for AO Arena gig

Anyone looking at tickets for Michael Ball and Alfie Boe’s upcoming tour have plenty of opportunity to see these two singing their hearts out.

Fans of the duo better act fast as these tickets are very limited, starting from a reasonable £47.75 and reaching £98.75.

If you want to go all out on this occasion tickets are also available for The Mezz, which is the arena’s fine dining experience covering you before and throughout the show at a fixed price of £206.25.

All tickets and packages can be found HERE.

What are the stage times for Michael Ball and Alfie Boe in Manchester?

AO Arena has a curfew of 11pm meaning you’ll still be able to make it home and pop the kettle on before you get your forty winks.

Their support act comes in the form of another duo, however these two mighty performers are magicians rather than singers.

The Conjurors are a worldwide renowned act famed by audiences and A Listers for their talents which they will be showing off in Manchester on the night.

How to get to AO Arena

Tram

For those of you heading to AO Arena, luckily it’s in Manchester Victoria Station and its integrated Metrolink stop.

Head along the pink, light blue or yellow lines directly to the Victoria stop and you can get off the tram literally spitting distance from the arena. You can find the full map HERE.

Train

Considering this live entertainment venue is situated right in the middle of one of Manchester’s most frequented stations, concertgoers should find no problem getting to the arena wherever they are.

Bus

A variety of buses cover AO Arena and Victoria Station on their route such as the 2 bus which stops a one minute walk away from the venue.

A full list of buses and their routes can be found HERE.

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Getting there by car and parking

The Arena have their own official parking partners CitiPark with 958 spaces including 40 Blue Badge parking bays, which can be booked in advance.

Alternatively, anyone attending a gig can park at their nearest train station and jump on a train service or the various Metrolink park and ride facilities.

Walk/cycle

Greater Manchester now also offers the option to hire bikes through the Beryl, with riders able to locate, unlock, get to their destination and then safely lock up the bike all through an easy-to-use app.

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About the AO Arena

The AO Arena has a few strict policies to keep gig-goers safe, so make sure to check entry requirements carefully before you travel.

For example, only one small bag per person is allowed, and bags like backpacks, travel cases and laptop bags are not permitted inside the arena.

All bags are scanned on entry to check for prohibited items like laser pens, flares, projectiles, weapons, drugs and alcohol, and even selfie sticks.

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For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Image: Publicity Picture (via Supplied)

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