Marathon draws record number of runners

A record number of runners have taken to the streets for the Manchester Marathon.

More than 30,000 people took part in the UK's second largest marathon on Sunday, which started and ended by the Trafford Arch.

Bret Crossley came first in the wheelchair race, while Adam Clarke and Charlie Arnell took first place on the podium in the men's and women's classes.

Organisers said the course was lined by more than 125,000 supporters who "cheered their hearts out" throughout.

Crowds gathered on the streets of Manchester to cheer on the runners

Roads were shut across Manchester for the 2024 race.

It began in Trafford and runners travelled through the city centre, as well as to Chorlton, Altrincham, Hulme, and Stretford.

The number of participants was up by about 6,000, an increase from about 24,000 in 2023.

Bret Crossley finished almost 10 minutes ahead of his closest competitors

About 14,000 people were running their first ever marathon at the event, and were egged on by MCs, mascots and people handing out refreshments around the course.

Charlie Arnell finished first place in the women's event

Adam Clarke completed the Manchester Marathon in 02:16:29

Entries have now opened for next year's race, which will take place on 27 April 2025.