You may have thought the running season stopped as soon as the leaves began to turn, but you’d be wrong. The Manchester Half Marathon is a 13.1 mile challenge that takes place every October, starting and finishing by Old Trafford, and it’s happening this Sunday 13 October.
It’s easily the biggest half marathon in the region, with the 2024 event welcoming over 24,000 participants. Since its launch in 2016 the Manchester Half has received rave reviews from participants, thanks to its professional delivery, flat route and amazing support from crowds around the course.
With all the fun and pride that comes with the Manchester Half, there’s also logistics. So, here’s our guide to what supporters and runners alike need to know ahead of the Manchester Half Marathon this weekend, including timings, routes and road closures.
Manchester Half Marathon route, waves and timings
As in previous years, the Manchester Half Marathon will start and finish in Old Trafford. The route will go one mile into the city centre, taking in Castlefield views, then circles back along Salford Quays, down to Stretford, lopping through Sale and back up to Old Trafford, taking the scenic route through Chorlton.
There are four water stops along the way, alongside plenty of entertainment for supporters and runners alike including a samba band, musicians and choirs, and DJs, plus a Puma cheer zone and kick off screen to start, and a ‘Nitro Tunnel’ to end.
The colour of the bib you receive in either the post or at Pack Collection will relate to your allocated start time. Start times are assigned based on the predicted time you provided during registration and correspond to the colour on your numbered bib.
Wave start times are as follows:
- Elite wheelchair – 8.55am
- Elite – 9am
- White – 9am
- Red – 9.09am
- Light blue – 9.18am
- Bronze – 9.27am
- Green – 9.36am
- Purple – 9.45am
- Yellow – 9.54am
- Dark blue – 10.03am
- Grey – 10.12am
- Maroon – 10.21am
- Orange – 10.30am
- Black – 10.39am
Runners will need to arrive at our Start Access Point on Talbot Road at the appropriate time and be ready and raring to go.
The Finish Line will close three hours after the last participant has crossed the start line; this equates to a pace of approximately a 13.5 minute mile or an 8.5 minute kilometre.
The best places to support as a spectator at the Manchester Half Marathon
To ensure you have the best experience cheering on the amazing participants as they head out onto the course, organisers recommend avoiding the start line, as it can get quite crowded. Instead, catch all the action on the live stream screen with PUMA at Deansgate Interchange, and then give them a big cheer as they reach mile one.
There are a few other popular supporter hubs along the route:
📍Deansgate Interchange
Soak up the atmosphere at mile one on the course at the lively PUMA Cheer Zone at Deansgate Interchange. Watch loved ones start the challenge live on the ‘Kick-off Cam’ – with lively beats from a DJ truck, cheer signs and endless energy at this prime viewing spot.
🗺️ Deansgate Interchange Map Location
📍Wharfside
Give participants a boost at the brand new ‘Buzz Hub’ at Wharfside. Catch participants twice as they loop around the intersection in the road, blasting by the iconic Old Trafford stadium to DJ tunes. What’s more, don’t miss the inflatable bees who will also be a part of the action.
📍Stretford
Stretford is a lively supporter spot where participants head out on the course and then back (roughly at miles 5.5 and 10). It also has a fast-growing reputation as a foodie hub. Stretford Canteen is a great spot for a casual lunch – as is Uplift @ the Square.
📍Sale
Situated slightly further out from the bustle of the centre, Sale strikes a charming balance of both city and countryside. With Bridgewater Canal running through its centre, Sale is home to friendly residents and many parks. See participants here from mile 6.5 to 9.
📍Chorlton-cum-Hardy
Chorlton is a leafy suburb known for its independent shops and artisan coffee houses. Barlow Moor Road presents a host of gastro-delights such as Barbakan Delicatessen. Chorlton is THE place to give runners a final push in the event, from miles 11-12.
After the event, it’s recommend that you meet loved ones away from the finish area. If you attend the area and nearby tram stops please be aware that there will be large crowds, one-way systems in place, queues, and some delays to your walking journeys. Space near the finish line is limited.
Road closures during the Manchester Half Marathon
Road closures will be in effect along and immediately around the Half Marathon route starting from Saturday 12 October, and those roads in the surrounding area that are open will be very busy – so plan extra time for any journeys you need to take. Many bus services will also be diverted due to these closures.
Organisers recommend using Metrolink to travel to and from the event as there are several stops close to the event village, start line and finish line in Trafford. Runners taking part in the challenge are advised to use Old Trafford, Trafford Bar or Imperial War Museum for the start line on Bridgewater Way.
Participants are also advised that Pomona, Cornbrook, Exchange Quay and Wharfside will all be difficult to access due to the half marathon route. Find appropriate tram routes here.
You can find an interactive map of road closures along the Manchester Half Marathon route below:
So, all that’s left to say is good luck to all of the incredible runners taking part in the Manchester Half Marathon this year!