Getting moving
On a misty morning in Manchester that saw Joe Wigfield lower the course record to 62:02, surpassing Jack Rowe’s previous time from 2024 by 8 seconds, I lined up on the start line of the Manchester Half Marathon 2025. With a record number of participants (over 28,000!) I knew it would be a busy race. This knowledge soon became reality as the gun went off for my wave at 09:09am. Immediately, the age-old tradition of mass running starts, with hordes of people in overly expensive shoes flying off at paces they knew full well they would regret in around one mile’s time.
I began to work my way through the heavily-breathing masses with my own expectations significantly lower than I had planned. Having been hit with a nasty, two-week long bout of freshers’ flu, I’d had to accept that my goal of running under eighty minutes was unfortunately out of reach. Coming off essentially not running for a fortnight, I had settled to simply run my target pace (roughly 06:05/mile) until my body started sending warning signs. I got through the first three miles on pace feeling relatively comfortable yet once the course rounded onto Chester Road, the alarm bells started ringing and I was forced to accept the inevitable, with my heart rate sat at an alarming 195bpm.
Becoming a spectator
After slowing down, I could forget my watch and try to enjoy the event. Having come from a football then cross-country background and being used to somewhat smaller crowds, I was surprised by the stark contrast in the atmosphere out on the course. Through Stretford, Sale, Chorlton and the home straight in Old Trafford, it was buzzing, with pavements packed full of supporters braving the chills to cheer on everyone and anyone who ran past. However, through Trafford Park and on the long, lonely stretch of the A56, I had only slapping feet for company and, of course, the DJ blasting techno music under the M60 which was definitely an interesting if not entirely enjoyable addition.
Equally, the variety of people in the race was inspiring. From evidently seasoned runners, gliding along without expending any unnecessary energy, to those maybe in their first race, constantly checking their watch, anxiously awaiting the familiar pains of running. My usual race environment at club events consists of lots of very fit people making very fast paces look very easy so it was rather refreshing to be surrounded by gasping, straining runners clearly giving every bit of their strength to achieve their target time.
There were no tactics, no watching and waiting for somebody to attempt to make the decisive move; despite it being such a large mass, everybody was an individual on that day, focused on their own stride, their own pace, their own race. Having settled into a far easier tempo, I could observe and enjoy those desperate scenes, watching other runners reach physical feats they likely never thought they’d achieve.
Going the distance
Naturally, it wasn’t an ideal day yet my finishing time of 86:26 (or a slightly more aesthetic 01:26:26) can still be considered respectable. Overall, it wasn’t solely dismal. The conditions, overcast with no wind, were perfect which explains the fast time ran by Wigfield, who pipped Jonny Mellor (winner of the Manchester Marathon back in April) by 5 seconds. In doing this, he claimed the Men’s England Athletics Half Marathon title with Lily Partridge moving well clear of long-term rival Charlotte Purdue just past mile 10 to establish a winning margin of 39 seconds over on the women’s side.
One redeeming achievement was being the fastest in my family, beating my dad and cousin. The same can’t be said for my club, given that the leading Trafford AC man set a new club record over 13.1 miles, coming 10th with a blisteringly fast 64:40.
Results can be found here: https://www.manchesterhalfmarathon.com/results/
What next?
Overall, I’d consider my experience a learning curve. Sometimes you simply have to be realistic with your body and your expectations of it. Certain things are beyond your control, fighting against that is futile and only leads to frustration. On this occasion, the best option was to soak up the noise and be patient; faster days are coming, I’ve already booked my place for 2026!
