Transport for Greater Manchester issue travel warning for next weekend

The marathon, which will take place on the Sunday the 27th of April, will see more than 35,000 people take part with thousands more in the crowds.

This year the marathon will start under the Trafford Arch going through areas such as Stretford, Timperley and Sale before finishing on Oxford Road.

Due to this, there will be a large number of road closures and Manchester will generally be extremely busy before and after the race. People are encouraged to check the TfGM website for the hours certain roads will be closed.

Similarly, there will also be bus service diversions on the day from 8am so make sure to check before you travel.

They have also advised that trams will be the best way to travel around the city and recommend using the Tap and Go contactless payment system for extra ease. To help with the influx of passengers there will be a double tram system and an additional service operating between Piccadilly and Timperley.

TfGM said: “Last year’s Marathon saw Bee Network trams set a new personal best, with passengers racking up 175,000 tram journeys – the highest ever recorded on a single Sunday (14 April 2024) in the network’s 30-year history. It was also the eighth busiest day on the Metrolink network since it opened in 1992.”

For those using trains make note that Salford Central will be shut due to upgrade work however, buses will be replacing trains for the day.

Danny Vaughan, Chief Network Director at TfGM said: “The start and finish lines will be especially busy so if you are coming to watch you may be better off catching the tram to Sale, Timperley or Chorlton, grabbing a coffee and claiming afront row seat to cheer runners on. Using public transport is the best way to avoid congestion and delays – and with Tap and Go contactless payments it’s never been easier or more seamless to get around Greater Manchester by bus and tram.”

There will also be some additional congestion due to the St Georges Day parade which will take place for around 2 hours on the same day of the marathon within the city centre.

Kirsty Wilde, Operations Director, from Manchester Marathon organisers A.S.O. UK, said: “The TfGM tram service is an invaluable part of our event, which allows thousands of participants and supporters to navigate around the city. With a record-breaking 36,000 participants set to take part on Sunday 27th April - and more exciting activities taking place over the weekend as a whole - we're anticipating a rise in tram journeys, which will subsequently bring economic benefits to local vendors, the hospitality sector, and retail businesses.”