Sports nutrition brand ESN has been announced as the Official Sports Nutrition Partner of the ASICS Manchester Half. The event, which is organised by A.S.O. UK, is scheduled to take place on Sunday, October 4, 2026.
The mass-participation event has sold out for a third consecutive year. A record 32,000 runners are set to take on the 13.1 mile course across Greater Manchester.
As part of the partnership, ESN will share its performance nutrition knowledge with participants and supporters over the event weekend. Ahead of the race, the brand will host a shakeout run and a carb-loading event to help runners prepare and to connect with the community.
On race day, ESN will deliver interactive activations such as product sampling, tastings, and challenges. Participants will be able to explore the brand’s product range, which includes Hydroload, NRGY Gels, and GOAT Bars, to learn how they support training, performance, and recovery.
Philipp Markmann, General Manager at ESN, said “We’re proud to partner with the ASICS Manchester Half as the Official Sports Nutrition Partner. Running continues to grow in popularity because it reflects something many people are looking for today: an accessible way to challenge themselves, build healthy routines, and make consistent progress.
“At ESN, we develop products alongside athletes who perform at the highest level, but we see the same mindset far beyond elite sport. Whether someone is training for a personal best or simply investing in their health, performance today takes many forms.
“Events like the ASICS Manchester Half capture that spirit perfectly. We’re excited to support participants throughout their journey and provide them with the same uncompromising quality trusted by elite athletes to help them prepare, recover and perform on event day.”
First launched in 2016, the ASICS Manchester Half has a fast and flat route that traditionally starts and finishes by Old Trafford.
Freya Norrie, Partnerships Director at A.S.O. UK, said “It’s great to have ESN onboard as our Official Sports Nutrition Partner for 2026. They bring tremendous amounts of insight and expertise to best support all of our participants, to fuel their training and on event day as thousands take on the 13.1 mile challenge.”
www.manchesterhalf.com
uk.esn.com
