The 2025 is set to be another historic year for the Manchester Marathon as not only is it tipped for a record turnout for the annual event but there is also set to be a new finish line.
Moving the goalposts, as it were, for the first time in over a decade, the Manchester Marathon finish line is relocating to an even more central location right in the heart of the city and now we know what the home straight is going to be more, we can already picture all the amazing photo finishes.
The process of adjusting the overall route and, crucially, moving the finish line is one that’s taken a couple of years but after much deliberation, the organisers have now nailed down the climax of next year’s event.
Set to be sponsored by adidas once again, the 2025 Manchester Marathon will conclude at none other than the beautiful University of Manchester.
Yes, swapping the final bit of Talbot Road as you come around Trafford Bar tram stop and see the chequered flag near Old Trafford Cricket Ground for the long stretch of Oxford Road that runs in front of the uni, the Manchester Marathon now has a more picturesque finish line than ever.
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Official routes change or are at least adjusted every year or so, but those closing moments of glory, emotion and, of course, exhaustion, have been outside the home of Lancashire Cricket Club for as long as most of us can remember.
Nevertheless, with the course now covering more of Greater Manchester than ever, it felt like as good a time as any to spread across more of the city centre wherever possible.
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With that in mind, as confirmed on Wednesday, 16 October, next year’s Manchester Marathon will not finish outside the University of Manchester, under the shadow of the Manchester Museum, the iconic Hogwarts-like Whitworth Building and right near the Old Quadrangle.
As if the next map-end wasn’t exciting enough, with the massive Manc date also taking place at the same time as the 2025 London Marathon, the upcoming event will be the single largest day of marathon running in UK history.
With more than 36,000 expected to run it next year, the increased capacity for the adidas Manchester Marathon will further boost the economic impact of the event, which already contributes over £29 million annually to the local economy.
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Andrew Smith, CEO of the Manchester Marathon said: “We’ve been planning this one for a long time, so it’s a great pleasure to confirm the addition of a truly elite-level finish to our event. We’ve listened to the feedback from our participants and local community, as they are at the heart of everything we do.
“This switch combines what already makes the adidas Manchester Marathon special, with the same epic start under Trafford Arch but with significant improvements to the post-finish experience for our heroes and their supporters.
“Taking place at the same time as London, we know the eyes of the world will be on us, so cannot wait to further showcase everything Greater Manchester and the iconic city centre has to offer. Best of luck to everyone starting out on their marathon journey and see you in April!”
Fancy taking part this time? The first two allocations have already been and gone but you can still register your interest HERE.
Featured Images — University of Manchester/Supplied
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Casemiro is leaving Manchester United at the end of the season
Danny Jones
Manchester United player Casemiro has confirmed that he will be leaving the club when his contract expires at the end of the season.
The veteran CDM and European footballing legend joined Man United back in 2022 for around £70 million from his former team, Real Madrid, where he won everything over the best part of a decade.
Now, Old Trafford fan favourite ‘Cas’ (full name, Carlos Henrique José Francisco Venâncio Casimiro) is set to leave United following the expiration of his current and highly lucrative deal this summer.
Announcing his pending departure in an emotional video, the seasoned Brazilian midfielder admitted that he feels the time is right to leave the club – but not before giving his “everything” in the remainder of the current campaign.
Writing in the caption of the social media post, Casemiro said: “Knowing when stages come to an end. Knowing when to say goodbye when you feel that you will be remembered and respected forever.
“Four months to give my all for this badge and for our goal. Eternal respect and affection for Manchester United and its wonderful fans. Forever Red Devil.”
Responding underneath the partnered post, the club simply wrote: “Once a Red, always a Red.”
Now 33 years old and already being accused of being ‘over the hill’ even when he first landed in Manchester, Casemiro had an impressive first season under Erik ten Hag and quickly became a crucial cog in the squad; arguably, overly relied upon, some would say.
On the other hand, given his age and the fast pace of English football, it’s fair to say he’s done well to keep up with the most competitive league on the planet.
He is also one of the well-paid talents in the Premier League, so while the majority of supporters will be gutted to see him go, the board will still be relieved to see his estimated £350,000-a-week wages taken off the books.
Nevertheless, he is now regularly subbed off around the hour mark for Man United, and it’s not exactly a surprise that he is now preparing to move on. INEOS and their recruitment already look to be searching for reinforcements in the middle of the park.
They are looking to bolster their options as they chase down Champions League qualification
Bringing a wealth of experience and leadership to ten Hag, Ruben Amorim, and now Michael Carrick‘s setup for what’s left of the 2025/26 term, he’s a big presence that will no doubt be missed in the dressing room and on the pitch.
Having scored 21 times in 146 games so far, he will finish the season with more than a century of appearances, and we wouldn’t be surprised if you see him chip in with a few more goals before hanging up his red shirt.
Besides being a serial throughout pretty much the rest of his career, the midfield remains a key point of contention at United, and his departure will no doubt mean more talent will need to be brought in at least by the summer.
You can see more of his farewell announcement video down below.
💬 “I will always carry this club with me. I will always be a Manchester United fan.”
Manchester City are reimbursing fans who travelled to watch their defeat against Bodo/Glimt
Danny Jones
A bunch of Manchester City players are preparing to refund fans who travelled to watch the shock defeat against Bodo/Glimt earlier this week.
In case you missed the surprising score, Man City were on the end of a very unexpected result against the Eliteserien side, losing 3-1 in what was the club’s first-ever win in the Champions League.
More than that, it was also the first time a Norwegian team had won in the competition in nearly two decades, making it a historic night for the nation, albeit one to forget for the Blues.
Following the European upset, as a gesture of goodwill towards supporters, select members of the squad from Pep Guardiola’s so-called leadership group have now pledged to cover the trip made by the dedicated away fans, from the match ticket itself to travel costs.
JUST IN: Manchester City's players are reimbursing fans who watched their Champions League defeat against Bodo/Glimt.
They are covering the cost of match tickets for game which Pep Guardiola's side lost 3-1 🚨
The message from City stars is as follows: “Our supporters mean everything to us. We know the sacrifice that our fans make when they travel across the world to support us home and away, and we will never take it for granted.
“We also recognise that it was a lot of travelling for the fans who supported us in the freezing cold throughout a difficult evening for us on the pitch. Covering the cost of these tickets for the fans who travelled to Bodo is the least we can do.”
Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias, Rodri and Scandinavian native Erling Haaland, who had a less-than-ideal return to his home country on Tuesday night, are said to be the individuals covering the fees
As per multiple reports, the figure is said to be just under £10k – approximately £9,357 spread across a total of 374 matchgoers, to be specific.
While the club and the players, specifically, have been praised by plenty for what many have labelled as a ‘classy move’, some are suggesting that the statement actually signals the opposite regarding their opponents, who shone on the night.
Scoring twice in quick succession midway through the first half before bagging the third and ultimately decisive goal in the 58th minute, it could have been four or five.
Bodo/Glimt had moments ruled offside and hit the woodwork in both halves.
Despite City pulling one back and showing promise of getting back in the game through Rayan Cherki, that momentum was quickly crushed when the aforementioned and only recently returning, Rodri, was sent off after a second yellow around the hour mark.
Following the arguably equally unexpected blow in the Manchester derby last weekend, it’s been a tough few days for the players and fans alike, but they still stand a chance of beating Arsenal to the Premier League title this season.
You can see the highlights from the Bodo/Glimt vs Man City game here.
Danny Jones -
16th October 2024 
