Kenyan Smashes ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon

A cool spring day created perfect running conditions at the ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon as Kenya’s Shadrack Tanui smashed the circuit record.

The annual ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon took place Sunday 8 April  welcoming tens of thousands of runners and spectators to the streets of Trafford where the race was held.

Over 10,000 runners took part in the ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon on the famously flat, fast and friendly course. With only a 54metre elevation across the 26.2miles, the ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon is measured and certified to IAAF/AIMS standards and has become the marathon of choice for beginners, charity runners and elite athletes looking for a PB or qualifying time.

A 30-strong field of elite athletes participated, providing stiff competition for the finish.

First time UK marathon competitor Shadrack Tanui, 31, from Kenya smashed the course record of 2:22:34, crossing the finishing line at 2:21:17. The Kenyan trains outside of Eldoret with Betsy Saina, who was 5th place in the 10k at the Rio Olympics.

Dani Nimmock of the City of Norwich Athletics Club was the first in for the women, nailing a personal best (PB) of 2:38:24

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Elite runner Ben Johnson also took to the podium on the steps of Trafford Town Hall with a second place time of 2:25:03, while Mark Ryan came a very close third place with a time of 2:25:39 for the men. In second and third place for the women was Katie White with a time of 2:41:15 and Julie Briscoe who finished at 2:41:35.

Claire Lomas, who is paralysed from the chest down, also started her marathon challenge on the day. Claire, who uses a robotic suit to walk, will be continuing her ambition to smash her last marathon finish in 2012. Her efforts will be chronicled each day on www.greatermanchestermarathon.co.uk until she achieves her spectacular goal, where race organisers Xtra Mile Events are planning a significant reception to cheer her on as she crosses the finish line.

Sean Anstee, leader of Trafford Council, said: “It has been a cracking day here in Trafford and the race has been so exciting to watch. The event is renowned for its outstanding crowd support and unique entertainment around the course. It is a great showcase of the true spirit of people here who have shown a world-class welcome so many local and international participants. I offer my congratulations to all who took part, from elite athletes to the many who successfully raised so much money for charity.”

Nick Rusling, CEO of the ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon and Manchester Half Marathon, said: “Huge congratulations to the winners, the runners and I offer a very special thanks to wonderful crowds who turned up to make this year’s marathon a stunning success.

“What we have seen here today is a truly-world class mass participation event with fitness and inspirational human achievement at its very heart.”

Olivier Mignon, Director of Sports Marketing at ASICS EMEA, said: “It has been an amazing day. Seeing the crowds of supporters and the all the volunteers who turned out proves that Greater Manchester Marathon is truly the friendliest on the calendar.”

Sarah Bennett, Race Director of ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon organisers Xtra Mile Events, said: “The ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon has become one of the most popular races on the running calendar since we brought it back in 2012 after a ten-year absence.  We are thrilled by the success of today’s event and I offer my wholehearted congratulations to all who took part.”

5,000 places will be released at 10am on 10 April 10 for runners wishing to sign up to the 2019 ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon.

Full results for 2018 and to sign up for the 2019 race visit www.greatermanchestermarathon.com