All you need to know about the largest race over 13.1 miles in the North West of England, with key information for participants and spectators ahead of the event
The Manchester Half Marathon takes place on Sunday (October 13) and the event will see over 24,000 people take to the streets in the 13.1 mile challenge.
This year is set to be the biggest edition yet, with participation numbers up from the 16,500 people that took past last October.
In the elite men’s race, Jack Rowe won in a course record of 62:40, beating Andrew Heyes and Tommy Power, who clocked 64:40 and 66:09 respectively.
Rowe is hoping to defend his title in Manchester at the weekend and will start as favourite in an event that also combines as the English Half Marathon Championships.
In last year’s elite women’s race, Lauren McNeil set a course record, claiming victory in 70:02. Lauren Howarth and Gemma Astin also went under the previous record after running 71:22 and 71:55 for second and third respectively.
Runners at the event are estimated to raise thousands of pounds for local and national charities. In total 1620 participants will be taking part for an associated charity, 710 of which are taking part for one of the Official Charity Partners: Alzheimer’s Society, Cancer Research UK and The Christie.
What time does the Manchester Half begin?
On the day, the elite wheelchair participants will set off first at 08:55, followed by the elite wave at 09:00. Afterwards, participants will set off in rough 10-minute intervals, depending on their allocated wave colour, until 10:39.
What’s the Manchester Half route?
To access the start on event day, participants should head to the Event Village at Lancashire County Cricket Club. There will be a bag drop station and toilets, while marshals will direct participants to the start line at the Trafford Arch. All of the route information, including a handy interactive map can be found here.
From the start in Old Trafford, participants will head towards the city before looping back and running along Salford Quays, past Old Trafford – home of Manchester United – and then head towards Stretford.
Just over halfway at the seven mile mark, the route loops through Sale before leading onto the final leg through Chorlton-cum-Hardy and towards the finish line on Talbot Road.
The full participant guide can be viewed here and additional route information can be found here.
Are there road closures around the Manchester Half?
Road closures will be in effect along and immediately around the half-marathon route starting from October 12 (Saturday). The A56 (North and Southbound) and the M60 Junction 7 will be closed until late afternoon. Full details on road closures can be found here.
What’s the best way to get there on the day?
The best way to get to and from the event is to use the tram network. For a quieter tram station, use the Imperial War Museum stop which is a 15-minute walk to the start. The closest tram stations to the Event Village are Old Trafford (a three minute walk) and Trafford Bar (a 10 minute walk) but these stations will be very busy and may have queues.
If you’re getting the train into Manchester, it’s best to take the tram to the Event Village upon arrival, as bus routes will be disrupted by road closures.
Roads are expected to be busy, so participants are advised to avoid driving to the event if possible.
Where is best for spectators to watch the Manchester Half?
With two new exciting cheer zones, spectators are best to encourage loved ones on from along the course rather than at the start and the finish area where access is limited.
The first of the new areas is a PUMA Cheer Zone at Deansgate Interchange, where spectators can soak up the atmosphere at the one mile mark and watch participants start the challenge live on the ‘Kick-off Cam’. There will also be lively beats from a DJ truck and cheer signs for spectators to customise.
The second new cheer zone is the ‘Buzz Hub’ at Wharfside. Here, participants can be spotted twice on their journey past Old Trafford, before they head out towards Stretford. The ‘Buzz Hub’ will also have inflatable dancing bees and a DJ.
Other prime viewing spots include Stretford, Sale and Chorlton-cum-Hardy, just one mile before the finish. To see participants cross the finish line, head inside the Event Village at Lancashire County Cricket Club, where a large screen will show the finish line coverage live, along with food outlets and activities from Manchester Half partners.
Returning for a second year, RUN PUMA HOUSE will open its doors to runners and spectators across the event weekend for pre-shakeout runs, tips from elite athletes and limited-edition personalised sliders for the finishers. To get involved head to 293 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 4EW on October 12 (08:30 – 16:00) and October 13 (09:00 – 16:00).
How do I take part in the 2025 Manchester Half?
Although this year’s event has sold out, those who missed out or have been inspired to take part in next year’s event can register for 2025 priority access to best-priced entries here. Entries will then be made available to the public on October 15 at 12:00.
For more information can be found here.
What is the Manchester Half?
The Manchester Half is a 13.1 mile race that takes place every October, starting and finishing by Old Trafford. It is the biggest half marathon in the region, with the 2024 event welcoming over 24,000 participants. The challenge aims to truly represent all the wonderful people of Manchester and celebrate their achievements.
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