Manchester Marathon 2022: route map, start times, changes this year and finish line - plus Half Marathon 2022

Elite athletes and amateur runners are gearing up for one of the highlights in the running calendar as Manchester Marathon returns to its usual spring slot.

The event had to be pushed back to autumn in 2021 due to the impact of the pandemic on large-scale events.

But in great news for competitors and spectators, it will be back in 2022 in line with more traditional timings in the spring.

When is Manchester Marathon 2022?

The event will take place on Sunday 3 April 2022.

When does the Manchester Marathon start?

The first wave of wheelchair athletes sets off at 9am, following by the elite runners at 9.05am.

The rest of the competitors will set off in waves timed by their bib colours, with the last wave due to set off at 10.55am. See here for full details of start times in bib colours.

What is the route in 2022 and where is the finish line?

The route is fairly flat which may help to make it one of the UK’s most popular marathons!

The start line remains in the usual spot underneath White City Arch near Old Trafford and heads into Manchester city centre, giving runners the chance to zip past some notable city landmarks. Organisers say there has this year been a “small change to the route in this section due to ongoing development in the area.”

The route then heads south towards Sale, Timperley and Altrincham before looping back and then ending once again with the finish line at Talbot Road near Lancashire County Cricket Club.

A map has been issued - see below - plus watch our video report above for route advice from the race CEO Nick Rusling.

How should I travel to Manchester Marathon?

With tens of thousands of runners plus spectators, Greater Manchester will be hugely busy - and road closures around the route can make travelling by car or on the bus more of a challenge, unless you don’t mind a walk to the start line.

Organisers recommend you take a Metrolink tram to get to the event and leave plenty of time to make your start time.

For fuller information on travel by car or public transport, see our comprehensive travel guide here.

When is the Manchester Half Marathon 2022?

The half marathon won’t take place on the same day as the marathon, which is what happened in 2021. It is scheduled for Sunday 9 October 2022.

Places are not yet open to book but you can register an interest here.

• See ManchesterWorld on Sunday for a great gallery of photos from the 2022 race!