Take on the 2026 adidas Manchester Marathon

Whether you already have your own place or you'd like a charity place, join Team Cancer Research UK in 2026 for the adidas Manchester Marathon and play your part in supporting vital cancer research.

How to join Team Cancer Research UK

Step: 1

Decide whether you'll enter with your own place or get a charity place

Step: 2

Sign up to get Team Cancer Research UK perks

Step: 3

Get fundraising for life-saving research

Step: 4

Get over that finish line and smash your fundraising target

About the adidas Manchester Marathon

Take on 26.2 miles around one of the UK's flattest and fastest courses at the adidas Manchester Marathon.

With only 55m of elevation gain, this race is a personal best winner. Starting at the iconic Old Trafford Stadium, and finishing in front of the University of Manchester campus the route sweeps through the whole of Manchester.

Book your place now and experience why this is one of the most popular marathons out there.

Why run for Cancer Research UK?

Meet Bridie

On the day of my first Great North Run I wore my Cancer Research UK vest with pride, I was so happy to be taking part.

- Bridie

Bridie has taken on the Great North Run six times as part of Team Cancer Research UK. She fundraises in memory of her Dad, who died of bowel cancer.

"My first runs were really hard, but I trained and persevered, and I got better. On the day of my first Great North Run I wore my Cancer Research UK vest with pride, I was so happy to be taking part. The atmosphere was amazing and crossing the finish line I was ecstatic! I was so proud of myself and how far I’d come. Every step is worth it. For every person we lose to cancer, it spurs me on even more to continue fundraising so that we can find a cure."

The difference your money makes

300 Cancer Research UK runners taking on the 2026 adidas Manchester Marathon

Hitting their fundraising targets to raise an overall total of around £250,000

Could fund a research group in London’s Francis Crick Institute for more than one month

Team Cancer Research UK runners receive

A personalised Cancer Research UK running t-shirt or vest

Training tips and plans to help you prepare

Fundraising support to help you smash your target

Support on the day at cheer points along the route

A post-race reception to celebrate

An official finisher’s medal for completing your race

Get training support

We've teamed up with experts to give you the best training support and advice for your event. Whether it's your first time training or you're looking to smash a PB, we've got a training plan for you.

Get fundraising support

We're with you every step of your fundraising journey so you can smash your target. Once you've signed up, we'll send you everything you need to get going such as fundraising ideas, top tips, planners and posters.

Get kitted out

We worked with Scimitar to create Cancer Research UK sportswear that’s comfortable, looks great and supports our vital work. 20% of the price of these products will be paid to Cancer Research UK.

Find the right event for you

Volunteer at the 2026 adidas Manchester Marathon

View other volunteer opportunities

Every step we make towards beating cancer relies on every mile, every pound and every person. Play your part and join our dedicated team to support our fundraisers on the day. Our volunteer opportunities for the marathon are now closed, however we have plenty of other events that need your support.