Marketing-communications agency, Jam has been appointed to lead the press office for the adidas Manchester Marathon, following a competitive pitch process.
The UK’s second largest marathon and one of Europe’s largest, Jam will work closely with organisers, A.S.O. UK, to deliver a strategic press office programme designed to build momentum ahead of event day on 19 April 2026 and increase its reputation as an elite event.
The appointment recognises Jam’s extensive experience running press offices for large-scale city events, alongside its deep understanding of Manchester’s media landscape. The agency has successfully led communications for Manchester Pride for the past three years, delivering high-impact coverage across regional, national and broadcast outlets.
Jam’s strong relationships with Manchester media and intimate knowledge of the city were key factors in securing the brief.
The agency will oversee proactive media relations, storytelling and athlete profiling to generate coverage that celebrates the scale, community spirit and sporting ambition of the adidas Manchester Marathon. The campaign will spotlight participants' personal journeys, highlight the economic and cultural impact of the event, and position the marathon as one of the UK’s standout sporting occasions.
The adidas Manchester Marathon takes place every spring and is now the third largest running event in the UK, starting by Manchester United’s iconic Old Trafford stadium and finishing on Oxford Road.
Jaime Gee, Managing Director at Jam, said: “Mass participation events like the adidas Manchester Marathon are about far more than event day - they’re about the thousands of personal stories behind every runner and the huge sense of community they create across the city. Our experience in city-wide events allows us to capture that energy and turn it into powerful media storytelling. We’re excited to help bring the scale and spirit of this event to audiences across Manchester and beyond.”
Andrew Smith, CEO of A.S.O., organisers of the adidas Manchester Marathon, said: “Jam’s track record delivering communications for major Manchester events, alongside their deep understanding of the city’s media landscape, made them a clear choice through the pitch process. Their strategic approach and strong local relationships will play an important role as we build excitement ahead of event day.”
The appointment further strengthens Jam’s growing reputation as a go-to agency for press office support around major cultural events.
