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.
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.
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.
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
Sport
Catterall vs Eubank at AO Arena: will confidence or cocksureness pay off?
Danny Jones
The official press conference between Jack Catterall and Harlem Eubank got a touch heated in Manchester today, and not necessarily for the reasons you’d think.
Although there was certainly a bit of covert bite between the local lad and Eubank (nephew of Chris Eubank Sr.) most of bickering came as a result of an exchange between the latter and promoter and boxing manager, Sam Jones.
Who knows how much of the needle between entourages is genuine and what is simply for show, but there was plenty of jokes made about minced words, stuttering, wearing shades in doors and dodging on multiple levels. Catterall himself remained quiet and calm throughout.
Harlem’s backers firmly believe there is a lot more “skill” in his corner than can be said of his Chorley-born counterpart ahead of this weekend.
Nevertheless, the Manchester regular may have stayed largely modest throughout – as has always been his way – but he still had plenty of confidence and his own team reiterated that there he’ll prove “very difficult to beat.”
He even went on argue that he is “levels above him”, rubbishing any talk of a potential knockout risk.
On the other hand, they did admit that he “can’t afford an 8 or 10-rounder” at this point in his career and a need him to put in a performance.
Meanwhile, Harlem could not have been cocksure of himself and was happy to play into the Matchroom boss Eddie Hearn’s hands in terms of the stereotypical ‘arrogant’ back-yourself kind of boxer vs the quiet, understated, underdog.
Insisting that he wants to “become a world champion” and even squeezing in a dig at fellow Brit, Conor Benn – who will be facing his cousin Eubank Jr. in a rematch this September – labelling the 28-year-old an “alleged drug cheat”.
There was even more excitement over in the ‘Small Talk’ studio set up inside the AO Arena, as recently retired MMA fighter, ‘Meatball’ Molly McCann, had an announcement of her own.
The Catterall vs Eubank press conference had another big bonus up its sleeve.
Over in the ‘Small Talk’ studio over to the side, confirmation from Eddie Hearn that Molly McCann, was announced as the latest Matchroom signing.
It was said that she expects to undertake her first seven or eight fights within the space of year, telling media that “this was always the plan” and despite “lots of offers” from different promotions, “There’s no other place [she’d] rather be.”
Hearn went on to state that he can see her competing for a title “within months”, adding: “I truly believe she’ll be a world champion.”
Featured Images — The Manc Group/press shots (supplied)
Sport
‘The Brand With the 3 Stripes’: adidas returns to Market Street with dedicated Manchester Oasis shop
Danny Jones
Manchester’s famous Market Street adidas store has reopened as quite possibly the most mega and, certainly, the most Manc shop on the high street– thanks to Oasis.
Amidst their already iconic collaboration with the global sports apparel name, Oasis have followed up their recently opened pop-up shop with another bold and (go on, we’ll say it) BIBLICAL building dedicated entirely to the ‘band with the three stripes’.
Or should we say brand?*…
You’ll have to have been living under an entire ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll Star’ to have missed this crossover, but it really does have to be visited in person to truly appreciate.
The Oasis x adidas shop is sure to be a big Manchester attraction in its own right. (Credit: The Manc Group)
With tonnes of memorabilia, genuine artist artefacts, a shed-load of every adidas Originals shoe model imaginable; dedicated Live ‘25 tour printing, buckets of buckets hats and simply more merch than you can shake a tambourine at, it’s a genuinely incredible space.
In fact, we’d wager you don’t even have to be a fan of the legendary Britpop band to enjoy the massively overhauled rooms.
Put it this way, if you like adidas, the effortlessly cool nature of Manc culture, or even just really, really good quality sports, street and casual-wear, you’ll get something out of this.
Besides the archive walls, photo-booth (which we spent an inordinate amount of time in) and all the other nods to Noel and Liam, there is still a standard adidas Originals floor upstairs.
With a corner still set aside for the usual football stuff, a whole wall of their different shoes with detailed explanation and story behind each type, plus even more fitting rooms.
The Market St shop is almost unrecognisable compared to what it used to be like – you kind of only recognise because it’s still in the same spot – and it really does feel akin to a home for the much-loved brand, the city that wears its logo not just like a uniform but a badge of honour, and a shrine to our Oasis.
Separate from the pop-up merch stores that have appeared over in Spinningfields, London is the only other place that will be getting a store like this, and with stocks of almost every item available quite literally selling out as fast as tickets did, this is one of the few places you’ll still find them.
With that in mind, we couldn’t help but walk away with our own customised Oasis ‘Live 25 World Tour ‘Jacquard’ football jersey, complete with our own branding on the back. Not quite on the same level as adidas or Oasis, but we’ll take it.
You’re damn right we’re framing this one… (Credit: The Manc)
We also still have a competition for you to win two tickets to see the Burnage boys in the flesh on their ‘Live 25 reunion tour this summer, so don’t forget to enter HERE.
Roll on Heaton Park and please let Oasis’ marriage with the adi-trefoil insignia ‘Live Forever’.
Danny Jones -
16th October 2024 
