Kenya’s Hellen Obiri and Vincent Ng’etich are poised to lead their nation’s elite contingent at the AJ Bell Great Manchester Run, set for Sunday, May 18, 2025. With over 35,000 participants expected, this year’s edition marks the event’s biggest turnout in a decade and promises thrilling head-to-head action in both the 10K and half marathon distances.

Obiri, a two-time world champion and one of the most dominant forces in women’s long-distance running, returns to Manchester with unfinished business. She won the 2022 women’s 10K title in a dramatic finish, clocking 30:15 to edge out Eilish McColgan and Ruth Chepng’etich. Since then, Obiri has only cemented her status with wins at the 2023 Boston Marathon, the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon, and the New York City Half Marathon. Her return signals not only a shot at reclaiming the crown but also a potential new course record.

On the men’s side, all eyes will be on Vincent Ng’etich, who stormed to victory in Manchester in 2024 with a time of 27:25—just one second shy of the course record. Fresh off a blistering marathon debut in Berlin, where he ran an eye-popping 2:03:13, Ng’etich is back to defend his title and possibly go one better this time.

With both Kenyan athletes in peak form and a stacked international field behind them, the streets of Manchester are set for a fierce showdown. The Great Manchester Run is more than just a race this year—it’s a stage for champions to assert their dominance and for rising stars to challenge the elite.