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
Details released of Andy Burnham’s meetings with Manchester City owners while Mayor
Emily Sergeant
Details of Andy Burnham’s meetings with Manchester City owners during his tenure as Mayor of Greater Manchester have been released.
In case you need bringing up to speed on the situation a little first, Manchester City was found guilty back in September all of its charges related to the Premier League’s financial rules over a nine-season period, and on top of that, was also found guilty of the majority of charges in relation to its failure to co-operate with the League’s investigation.
According to the Premier League, the independent Commission found that Manchester City had arranged so-called ‘sham’ commercial deals with a number of its sponsors.
These were part of a disguised funding scheme – with those sponsors only required to pay a portion of the relevant sponsorship fees.
The remainder was then funded by Abu Dhabi United Group Investment & Development Ltd (ADUG), which owned the club.
The Commission also concluded, as quoted by the Premier League, that the club had ‘made concerted efforts to stop and frustrate the Premier League investigation’.
Within the past week or so, it has since come to light that now-Prime Minister Andy Burnham had dealings with Manchester City during his tenure as Greater Manchester Mayor, and Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) has now issued a public statement, giving details on the matter and what these ‘dealings’ entailed.
A spokesperson for GMCA confirmed that Burnham had a ‘formal meeting’ with Man City Chairman, Khaldoon Al Mubarak, back in October 2021.
The statement reads in full: “In October 2021, Andy Burnham, in his role as Mayor of Greater Manchester, had a formal meeting with Khaldoon Al Mubarak at the UK Government’s Global Investment Summit arranged by the Department for International Trade.
“In his capacity as Mayor, he was a guest of Manchester City FC at home matches on a small number of occasions, including attending Vincent Kompany’s testimonial match in September 2019, where he met the Chairman informally in the stands. These have been declared in the usual way.
“Also during his time as Mayor, representatives of Greater Manchester sporting clubs would routinely join business delegations as part of Mayoral international visits.
“This included representatives from Manchester United travelling to Austin and Dublin, Lancashire Cricket Club joining a delegation to India, and Manchester City FC staff supporting visits to China and Japan.”
Featured Image – Lauren Hurley / Number 10 Downing Street (Press Image via Flickr)
Sport
Multiple arrests made for ‘tragedy chanting’ and police officer assault as Man City defeated Liverpool
Emily Sergeant
Multiple people were arrested over the weekend as Manchester City defeated Liverpool in a Premier League clash.
Merseyside Police have confirmed that a total of 10 people were arrested during the policing operation at Liverpool’s home ground of Anfield as they hosted Manchester City on Sunday 11 October.
One man was arrested on suspicion of assaulting a police constable, five were on suspicion of tragedy chanting, one on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly, two for affray, and one on suspicion of throwing items onto the pitch.
Police are now appealing to the public, and are particularly looking to speak to witnesses of the assault of the officer.
At around 6:35pm, as fans left the stadium, a police officer sustained a ‘serious facial injury’ during the arrest of a man on Anfield Road, and was subsequently taken to hospital for treatment but is now recovering at home.
Investigating officers are now conducting enquiries, speaking to witnesses, and analysing CCTV and camera phone footage.
Chief Inspector Leanne Hobin said it’s ‘extremely disappointing’ that an officer has sustained a serious injury while carrying out their duty.
“I hope the arrests send a clear message and act as a deterrent to others,” Chief Inspector Hobin continued. “Anyone who engages in this abhorrent behaviour risks ending up in custody and getting a criminal record.
“Despite the actions of a few, the overwhelming majority of the 60,000 fans in attendance behaved well and I want to thank them for their co-operation.”
Manchester City ended up defeated Liverpool 3-0 during the Premier League clash at Anfield.
Danny Jones -
6th January 2024 
