There is a large combined entry of 586 athletes entered for the Altenar-sponsored Isle of Man Marathon and Half-Marathon this Sunday.

Whilst 125 is around the norm for the two-lap marathon event, 461 for the half is slightly down on 2025.

Potential favourites for the 26-miler are difficult to determine with most of the runners from as far afield as Nigeria, USA, Germany, France and even Australia.

The event is host to the 2026 championship for British Masters. It has a larger than usual overseas contingent, with 15 athletes coming from Morocco alone

Others runners include people from the Philippines, Thailand and Australia (although it is quite possible that some of those are residents).

Locals in with a shout must include Dave Bignell, Nhlanhla Nzama, David Williams, John Quayle and James Read, although the latter will have his eyes on the long version of the No Rest for the Wicked series.

The half-marathon includes top triathlete Will Draper and former winner Corrin Leeming who has been missing from local events for much of the year. Others likely to feature include Nick Colburn, Shaun McEntee, Lewis Brew, Reggie Oasgood and Liam Parker, along with Kirsty Barber and Clara Isaac in the women’s class.

Entries for the No Rest series are two up on 2025 at 133, but without either of last year’s winners - Corrin Leeming and Christa Cain.

Oasgood and Parker could be ones to watch in the ‘half’ series, along with Katherine Cubbon and Elena Caley in the women’s.

Sunday’s marathon starts from Mooragh Promenade at 8.30am, followed at 9 by the half-marathon. Motorists are advised to give runners plenty of space on the Bride coast road, Burma road, Andreas to St Jude’s and Jurby Road.

KILLER MILE

The Killer Mile will again be a counter in the No Rest for the Wicked series.

It will be run over the usual short but tough course starting next to the Marine Drive near the Pigeon Stream car park and finishing at the radio masts at Upper Howe.

The road up to Upper Howe from near the entrance to the Nunnery is private and only marshals and officials have permission for access.

It will take place next Wednesday, August 12 from 7pm. The minimum age is nine years old - all entry fees will be donated to the Great Northern Air Ambulance.

No entry on the day - pre-entry closes this Sunday at https://manxfellrunners.org/blog/2026/7/25/2026-killer-mile-entries

Everyone who has entered for the full No Rest for the Wicked series is automatically entered for the Killer: they do not need to do the Killer pre-entry.