Due to unprecedented demand from tens of thousands of hopeful participants, the 2024 adidas Manchester Marathon is set to release its final round of entry places on Monday, 8 January.
So, if you’re looking to book on to the fourth largest marathon in all of Europe, not to mention one of the most well-spectated and family-friendly runs on the continent, you best set an alarm and get ready.
This year’s early and general entries for the Manchester Marathon sold out in just 24 hours, with 30,000 participants expected to run the 26.2-mile (or 42.195km) route on Sunday, 14 April.
That being said, thousands who were hoping to take part unfortunately missed out on a place — but now they’re being given one last chance to sign up for the run.
That could be you at the starting line. (Credit: Paul Currie)
Since the organisers want 2024 to be the biggest in the event’s history, they have decided to release Final Entries for a limited time only, meaning those who previously registered their interest will get a shot at jumping from the waiting list to the starting line.
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With the entry window opening from 6pm on Monday, 8 January, there will be an additional 10% of final participant places released to the public, so you better be faster than Kipchoge.
Operating on a first come first served basis, those who have registered interest will receive an email containing a priority sign-up link. If you have opted in to receive a text message, you will also receive a sign-up link via SMS. Keep that phone to hand, folks.
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Upwards of 125,000 spectators are expected to line the streets throughout Greater Manchester to offer support to participants as they go by, but you best be quick if you’re hoping to be one of them.
This is your last chance for final entry on the 2024 adidas Manchester Marathon. (Credit: Supplied)
Every participant who signs up for this year’s adidas Manchester Marathon will also be contributing to the Trafford Active Fund, with event organisers Human Race donating £1 of each entry directly to the scheme.
The Fund offers local groups the chance to receive a special allocation of funding to build a long-lasting sport and physical activity legacy across the 10 boroughs. What’s more, as part of the eco-friendly ‘Green Runner’ initiative, City of Trees has been appointed as the event’s official Green Runner charity.
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The initiative strives to improve the event’s sustainability credentials, reducing its overall environmental impact. Ultimately, the adidas Manchester Marathon aims to donate £5,000 to support the planting of trees across Greater Manchester.
Andrew Smith, Chief Executive of the official adidas Manchester Marathon event organiser, Human Race, said:“We are looking forward to welcoming this year’s participants, from elite runners to those who never dreamed of taking part in a marathon before now.
“We just know that the iconic Mancunian atmosphere will make for a magical experience. Good luck to everyone who has signed up and see you all at the start line in April!” For anyone who wants to find out more about how Final Entires, you can do so HERE — and best of luck for those trying on Monday!
Featured Images — adidas Manchester Marathon/Paul Currie (supplied)
Sport
Tributes pour in as former Rochdale and Bury midfielder Joe Thompson dies at just 36
Danny Jones
Awful news to share with you this bank holiday, as former Rochdale and Bury FC midfielderJoe Thompson has sadly passed away. He was just 36 years old.
Born in Bath, he spent time at both Man United and Rochdale’s academies before representing the first team, as well as representing fellow Greater Manchester club Bury and other teams in the North West – a region where he built a life with his partner and his two kids.
The ex-pro ultimately had to retire from football following a long battle with cancer, having been given the all clear from stage four lymphoma (a type of blood cancer) twice before during his playing days, before tragically receiving a heartbreaking third diagnosis last April.
News of his death broke on Good Friday, 18 April, having “passed away in the early hours of Thursday morning”. His wife Chantelle and eldest daughter Thailula shared a lengthy and heartbreaking statement on social media.
Confirming that he passed surrounded by his family, they wrote: “Joe has made such an impact on so many people and we are all forever grateful for him blessing us with his presence and for being so strong and staying with us as long as he did against all the odds.
“He was the most Incredible husband, son, brother, friend and father to our beautiful daughters, who will now carry his light and legacy on, and I will continue to keep filling them up with Joe’s love every single day […] I know he will be deeply missed by everyone and the world will not be the same without his contagious energy.”
Addressing their followers directly, who have been unwavering in their support for Joe and his family over recent years, The Thompsons went on to add: “Long may his legacy and impact live on! Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey with us… We are all forever grateful.”
They also announced that his funeral will be an open service to allow others inspired by his story, charity work, from his Dale days saving the club from relegation and more to pay their respects, with more details to follow soon.
Countless figures from around the footballing world have joined the likes of the Red Devils and his other former clubs in paying touching tributes to the inspiring individual.
A man who epitomised our club's values ❤️
We are saddened to share that Joe Thompson has passed away.
A warm personality who had a deep connection with our club from a young age, our thoughts are with Joe's family and friends at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/40ddQpyRTi
Very sad news, to battle cancer once is extremely brave but to battle it three times is not just brave but you need a strong mindset and obviously Joe had that to keep fighting. Thoughts with Joe’s family and friends.
Joe and his family were friends with our very own Amy here at The Manc, so it goes without saying that we offer our deepest condolences to his family, friends and everyone whose lives he touched – our thoughts are with all of them at this difficult time.
She said: “To one of the most incredible men I have ever met – Joe it was an unbelievable honour to have known you, you were the light in any room, and I can’t believe we have to carry on in this world without you.
“To the guy with the best laugh and best waves, you will forever be missed.”
Inside Manchester’s new padel club with a Pot Kettle Black cafe and courtside cocktail bar
Daisy Jackson
Padel is the fastest-growing sport in the world, and it’s really picking up speed in Manchester now too with another city centre club opening this month.
The Pollen Club is a little different to the others, in that it’s fully undercover and protected from Manchester’s less-than-favourable weather.
And another thing that makes it a must-visit is the cafe attached to it – a third site for the beloved Pot Kettle Black.
The Pollen Club and Pot Kettle Black have both taken over a prominent city centre spot just off Deansgate, at the foot of the recently-opened Treehouse Hotel.
There are two state-of-the-art padel courts inside, with a mezzanine terrace for enjoy Pot Kettle Black’s offerings.
In summer, there are plans to launch a bar downstairs too, where you can sip spritzes courtside from loungers and swing seats.
The exciting new Manchester padel club will host pop up events, DJ takeovers and an extended evening food offering.
Pot Kettle Black are part of the new padel clubInside Manchester’s new padel club, The Pollen ClubPot Kettle Black are part of the new padel club
And even if you’re not heading inside The Pollen Club, Pot Kettle Black has a grab-and-go hatch facing onto Blackfriars Street, making their delicious coffees, sandwiches and pastries (from their own bakery Half Dozen Other) even more accessible.
Commenting on the opening of the new site, Pot Kettle Black co-owner, Mark Flanagan said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to have opened our third Pot Kettle Black site at The Padel Club. This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the team.
“After ten years in the city we’ve been enjoying seeing some familiar faces stopping by for a coffee and we can’t wait to get started on our programme of summer events!”
Danny Jones -
6th January 2024 
