Manchester Marathon 2026

It was a lovely, sunny day on the 19th April, when 28,576 took to our city centre streets for the Manchester Marathon 2026! We had 29 incredible runners who took part in support of our Charity, most of them running to help us bring the magic of the movies to patients across our Hospitals.

One group of runners was Team Bertie Bear – a team of six friends and family of young patient Bertie, who spent 300 days in hospital after being born three months too early. In the first 10 months of Bertie’s life, he underwent three life-saving operations and parents Laura and Adam were prepared to say goodbye to their son more times than any parent should, but he pulled through.

Team Bertie Bear wanted to give back to the place and the people that treat and support their son, and also run in honour of the lifelong friends he made in hospital – Jaxon, Mikeal, Ben, Eli, Eden and sadly the late April – who left this world too early.

Laura said about the Manchester Marathon, “the day was honestly one of the best days of our lives. To have Bertie as our reason, and to know how much we had raised for you guys made every single step so much easier and reaching the finish line an absolute. We would all do it again, ten times over for the cause.”

Humphrey and our wonderful volunteers met up with the marathoners at The Graduate Bar Garden Party, hosted by our dear friends at the Hyatt Manchester, who were the Official Hotel Partner of the adidas Manchester Marathon 2026 and also ran in support of our Charity!

We additionally had a team of two corporate partners completing the Marathon for the first time this year! Well done to Oliver and Jonathan from long-time supporters Charles Street Finance and Together.

Oliver from Charles Street Finance said, “it was a great event to be a part of and all for an even better cause.”

All in all, it was a great day and we can’t wait for next year! If you’re feeling inspired and want to join us then, register your interest for 2027 below.