More than £29 million was spent across Greater Manchester as a result of last Sunday’s Manchester Marathon, in an incredible boost to the local economy.
Shops, bars and restaurants all benefited from the 125,000 spectators who lined the barricades in a day that saw world records broken and even a proposal.
Over 32,000 people participated in the 26.2 mile long race, raising more than £3.5 million for charity.
Subrahmaniam Krishnan-Harihara, Deputy Director of Research at Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, said: “It’s great to see a showpiece event like this bringing so many people into Manchester and enjoying what the city has to offer.
“The city centre took time to recover after the Covid lockdowns, but we’re now seeing the crowds returning in force to these high-profile events.”
The event also saw over 175,000 journeys made on Metrolink, the highest number of passenger journeys ever made on a Sunday, and the network’s eighth-busiest day ever.
Danny Vaughan, TfGM’s Head of Metrolink, said: “As always we are delighted to support the Marathon, which is one of the highlights of our events calendar here in Greater Manchester.
“To have smashed our record for the number of passenger journeys made on a Sunday for a second year in a row, and with it being during the Marathon again, is truly special. I think this shows just how important Metrolink is for people living in our region, but also those visiting too.
“I want to thank everyone who chose to travel on Metrolink on race day, as well as the race organisers and partners who helped deliver another fantastic event.
“But I also want to say a huge thanks to our staff behind the scenes and on the frontline, and in particular the two Metrolink employees who looked after a runner who was taken ill onboard a tram on the day and helped him get home safely.”
Featured image: PHA Group
