Manchester Marathon 2025

Sunday 27th April 2025 saw approximately 36,000 runners’ line up to take on the 26.2 miles through the streets of Manchester.

The sun was shining, and the atmosphere was buzzing!

I left my hotel after a decent night’s sleep and a 3 day carb load (yes I did feel quite doughy by the time I got to the start line!) and made my way down to the Tram. It was packed! From Deansgate to Old Trafford I was wedged in between a young mum with a pushchair and a guy with a massive backpack! I left the Tram and made my way to the bag drop which was located outside of Manchester United’s iconic Old Trafford ground. I then met up with the guys from the club as we queued for the toilets before making our way to the start line for the purple wave which was scheduled for 9:50am.

Standing on the start line I was a mixture of relaxed, nervous and excited. Worrying slightly about my tight hamstring (from lots of driving over Easter) I really didn’t know how the next few hours were going to play out.

With 5 minutes to go I took my first gel. I wasn't hungry after my large pot of porridge at 7am however I know how important it is to keep the energy levels topped up and not allow them to deplete, so I got it down me.

Bang on time, we start. After giving the boys a hug and wishing each other luck we took our first steps on our 26.2 mile journey.

I instantly felt good, and the pace felt great, but I was very mindful this is always how the first few miles feel of a marathon as you’ve rested and tapered so each time I felt myself speeding up, I pulled it back to make sure I could go the duration. I didn’t want to succumb to that time old mistake of going off way too fast!

I knew before I started that I wanted a PB, so anything quicker than a 3:52 I was going to be pleased. With this in mind the night before I worked out what time I needed to be at at the halfway point and the same at 20 miles to know if a PB was on the cards or not. The halfway point was soon upon me, so I glanced down at my watch and was surprised to see that I was well within my ideal time which delighted me but also worried me in case I'd overcooked the first half! Was I being brave or being daft??? I carried on anyway, taking the chance, continuing to take my gels every 5-6 miles even though I never felt I actually needed them, I knew it needed to be done.

The heat was rising but I was feeling strong and felt comfortable at the pace I was running. Before I knew it mile 20 was upon me. Again I looked at my watch and saw I was still ahead of time! 'Its on!' I said to myself. I had my husbands pre-race pep talk in my head telling me to push myself and go for it so I did.

With just 10km to go, I was holding pace and was feeling quite confident. My only low point was around mile 23 where the crowds where a little thinner on the ground and my right hamstring and left quad were making themselves known to me. Luckily this was short lived as the crowds started to increase the closer to the finish we got, and I knew that even if I was to slow considerably I would still get my PB..... the pressure was off, and I knew I was going  to complete the Manchester Marathon!

I crossed the finish line in 3:40:03! a 12 minute PB!

I was and still am absolutely buzzing for so many reasons.

1. I wrote and followed my own strength and conditioning programme.

2. I wrote and followed my own Running training plan.

3. I have fuelled my body well, eating a balanced but not restricted diet.

4. I’ve had deload weeks to allow my body to recover throughout the training block.

5. I’ve respected the taper, even though I really find it hard not doing more normal routine.

6. I carb loaded well. Sticking to a similar amount of calories each day but just substituting the majority of fats and protein for carbs for the 3 days before.

7. I didn’t allow my energy stores to drain. I took a total of 5 gels and ate 3 jelly babies, at regular intervals throughout the marathon even though I didn’t fancy them.

8. Knowing the weather was going to be hot I hydrated well in the days before making sure I took on electrolytes as well as water so to not dilute my sodium levels too much. I also sipped wated at every drink station and tipped water over my head and on my wrists to keep me cool.

9. I was brave, pushed a bit harder and believed in myself.

10. Lastly, I enjoyed it! I took it all in, soaking up the atmosphere feeling grateful that I can do things like this as not everyone can.

Manchester Marathon is such an amazing event. I will be back!