Manchester Marathon 2025

Our guide to the adidas Manchester Marathon

The adidas Manchester Marathon returns this April, promising another unforgettable day for runners, spectators, and the wider city.

As the UK’s second largest marathon and one of Europe’s biggest, the event will see a record 42,000 participants take on the 26.2-mile challenge, cheered on by thousands of Mancunians along the route.

The marathon concludes on Oxford Road, placing the finish line right in the heart of Manchester’s Knoweldge Quarter. Runners of all abilities—from world-class elites to first-time marathoners—will be celebrated for their achievements, with the iconic Mancunian support that has become a hallmark of the event.

For spectators, Circle Square offers a fantastic alternative to the finish line crowds. Just moments from Oxford Road, the neighbourhood will once again host its free Manchester Marathon Fan Zone from 9am to 5pm. Symphony Park and the surrounding area will provide a lively base for supporters, complete with huge TV screens showing the race live, entertainment, food and drink pop-ups, family-friendly activities, and special offers from Circle Square’s independent businesses. It’s the perfect place to soak up the marathon atmosphere, cheer on runners, and enjoy a day in one of Manchester’s most dynamic neighbourhoods.

Whether watching the elite battle it out or supporting friends and family as they cross the finish line, Manchester Marathon 2026 promises a day full of energy, achievement, and community spirit—anchored by one of the city’s most iconic streets and celebrated at Circle Square’s fan hub.


Find about road closures on the Manchester Marathon site, for everything else, keep scrolling!

Food

If you’re looking for a spot to recharge your marathon legs with a proper sit-down meal, Oxford Road has plenty of great options. Plan ahead and book to secure your table! We’ve also thrown in some handy grab-and-go options too.

A glass of beer at Bundobust Brewery

Bundobust Brewery

Bundobust Brewery in the St James Building on Oxford Street is the latest, and arguably the best addition to the ever-growing Bundobust chain.

The Refuge

The Refuge

The Refuge, at the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel, is a luxurious, modern restaurant, housed in a magnificent, Alfred Waterhouse designed, Victorian brick and terracotta building offers 10,000 sq ft of drinking and dining for everyone and anyone with the instruction “Come As You Are”.

Hello Oriental - Rice Paper Pho

Hello Oriental

Hello Oriental is an exciting food experience based in Circle Square with every possible variation on Asian Fusion cuisine in one place.

internal shot of the brightly coloured decor at indian tiffin room on first street

Indian Tiffin Room

Charming and homely, the Indian Tiffin Room brings this classic Indian dish to First Street.

Photo of an Indian dish from zouk tea bar and grill

Zouk Tea Bar and Grill

Zouk Tea Bar and Grill is a modern, exciting restaurant, serving up some of the very best Indian-Pakistani cuisine in Manchester.

Onda Circle Square

Onda

Onda delivers one of Manchester’s best casual dining experiences, thanks to its laid-back vibe and delicious, artfully made food.

Manchester Museum Café

No afterthought, the Manchester Museum Café serves real food and drink and has a firm eye on sustainability.

Listo Burrito Manchester Oxford Street

Listo Burrito

One of Manchester’s best made-to-order burrito spots, Listo Burrito on Oxford Road is an incredibly popular burrito restaurant on Oxford Street.

Half Dozen Other

Half Dozen Other

Discover Half Dozen Other’s fresh bakes, coffee, and artisan treats in a unique cafe setting at Circle Square

Exterior of The Eighth Day Shop & Cafe

The 8th Day Shop & Cafe

You can stop by on your lunch for a quick takeaway sandwich or burrito to take back to your desk or enjoy across the road in All Saints Park, or you stay longer and pick from a menu of mains in their downstairs cafe.

doug's hamburgers

Doug’s Hamburgers

Doug’s brings retro Americana to Oxford Road with top-tier Oklahoma-style smash burgers, crisp fries, and classic cocktails in style.

Bars

After the final sprint down Oxford Road, there’s no better place to toast your achievement than one of the Corridor’s many bars and pubs. Whether you’re after a well-earned pint, a celebratory cocktail, or just some top-notch bar food, the area has something for every taste and budget.

North Taproom Circle Square

North Taproom

North Taproom serves up everything from small-batch craft ale to high-end cocktails alongside a well-designed menu of Asian street food.

Big Hands

Big Hands

Big Hands at the South end of Oxford Road may be small, but it comes with added rock n’ roll swagger, a great atmosphere and a lovely roof garden.

An image of a sign outside Sandbar on the Oxford Road Corridor

Sandbar

Sandbar, just off Oxford Road in Manchester, is a well-loved watering hole, with a great selection of ales and some eccentric seating.

Peveril of the Peak

Peveril Of The Peak

Peveril Of The Peak is Manchester’s most iconic pub adorned with the sorts of bottle green, yellow and brown Victorian tiles that are a reclamation yard’s dream.

O' CONNELL'S

 O’Connell’s

O’Connell’s, a newly renovated Irish pub under Oxford Road’s railway arch, offers live music, whisky, and a classic pub atmosphere.

Gorilla Manchester

Gorilla

Since opening in 2012, Gorilla has proved itself as Manchester’s definitive mid-sized modern gig venue and one of the city’s best bar and kitchens.

Exterior of YES music venue in Manchester

YES

Four floors of YES with something for everyone – including a rooftop bar, two live music spaces, a club space, DJs and extensive coffee, street food and bar selection.

Oxford Road Tap

Oxford Road Tap

Located in front of Oxford Road Station, this micro pub offers a curated selection of craft ales, cask beers, and a welcoming atmosphere.

Kro Bar Oxford Road

Kro Bar

Kro Bar, Manchester is an independent pub and music venue housed (somewhat ironically) in the former Temperance Society building.

Things to do

The Oxford Road Corridor is home to the highest concentration of cultural attactions in Manchester. If you’re here for the weekend, there’s plenty to explore before and after the race.

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People laughing on University Green one of the many parks and green spaces on Oxford Road

Green Spaces

Oxford Road Corridor has a number of historic parks and contemporary green spaces to enjoy.

Galleries & Museums

Galleries & Museums

Some of the best Galleries & Museums in Manchester are here on Oxford Road Corridor. Explore a diverse programme for all cultural enthusiasts.

A cocktail from Brickhouse Social, one of the many spots to get a Cocktails on Oxford Road

Cocktails on Oxford Road

Oxford Road is packed with a great range of bars where you can get your fill of cocktails, spirits and fizz.

Back of Engels statue at First Street Manchester

First Street

First Street is a vibrant neighbourhood between Oxford Road and Deansgate, it is home to a number of businesses and is a popular spot for food, drink and culture.

View of Circle Square from the pavilion at Symphony Park

Circle Square

Circle Square is an exciting multi-million pound, mixed-use neighbourhood, created on the site of the former BBC building on Oxford Road.

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