Leading independent PR and Digital agency, The PHA Group, has been reappointed by A.S.O. UK (formerly known as Human Race) for a second consecutive year. This time, the agency will have a wider remit, having already supported on the Manchester Half, as well as raising awareness of the 2025 adidas Manchester Marathon.
Founded in 1990, A.S.O. UK is the UK’s leading mass participation events company, putting on events each year in triathlon, cycling and running.
The agency’s aim is to build excitement and awareness for both major Mancunian events. This year saw the group successfully manage press activity for the 2024 adidas Manchester Marathon, which achieved record numbers of 32,000 sign ups, 125,000 supporters across the region and over £3.5 million raised for various charities.
The PHA Group, managed by its northern division, will continue to showcase the incredible stories behind the participants; highlight the impact both events have on the Greater Manchester community; and drive national and regional engagement with the event on the ground, online and across social media.
PHA’s reappointment comes as the adidas Manchester Marathon will take place on Sunday 27th April next year, the same day as London Marathon. It marks the first time in recent history that the UK’s two biggest marathons will take place on the same date with a combined 90,000 participants – and hundreds of thousands of supporters – to take to the streets of both Manchester and London.
Andrew Smith, CEO at A.S.O. UK, commented: “Working with The PHA Group has helped to elevate our Manchester event’s media presence considerably. We were impressed by the team’s approach and exceptional results earlier this year, and we’re excited to continue our partnership. 2025 is set to be an important year for us hosting on the same day as the London Marathon – it will be the largest day of marathon running in the UK, ever. The adidas Manchester Marathon always brings an incredible atmosphere to the city and we’re sure it will be even more electric when the North vs South rivalry kicks in!
“We’re proud to provide a best-in-class experience for participants and supporters and 2025 will be no exception. We always strive to leave a positive sporting legacy for everyone in the local community, and PHA’s work is important in helping us achieve that.”
Hannah Craig, Head of PHA North, based in Manchester, added: “We’re delighted to be working with the A.S.O. UK team again on two such important events in the Manchester sporting calendar. The 2025 adidas Manchester Marathon has already sold out with over 36,000 participants signed up and with its exciting new finish line on Oxford Road in the city centre, it’s set to be the best one yet. It’s a pleasure to be partners with such a prolific event for Manchester, one which already contributes £29 million annual to the local economy.”
