Everything you need to know about Manchester Half Marathon this weekend - including road closures and celebs

Access to the start process is adjacent to Trafford Town Hall. Those wishing to use bag drop should enter the Lancashire Cricket Club via Gate 5 and 10. Marshals will direct participants to the start line from both locations.

On the route, participants will head towards the city before looping back, passing through Stretford, Sale, Chorlton-cum-Hardy and the finish line on Talbot Road.

The full participant guide, containing start times, a route map, and more, can be viewed here.

Additional route information, including a useful interactive map can be found here.

Where will drinks stations, toilets and nutrition be located?

There will be four drinks stations along the course. Isotonic Energy Gels from Applied Nutrition will be available at the second and third drinks stations (more information here).

Toilets are located at each water station as well as at the Event Village.

Which roads will be closed?

Road closures will be in effect along and around the half marathon route starting from Saturday 11th October. Those affected should allow extra time for journeys as open roads in the surrounding areas will be busy. Many bus services will also be diverted due to these closures.

Full details of road closures can be found here.

What’s the best way to get there?

The tram network will allow best access to and from the event. For a quieter journey, the Imperial War Museum stop is a 15-minute walk to the Event Village. The closest tram stations are Old Trafford (a 3-minute walk) and Trafford Bar (a 10-minute walk), but these will be very busy and may have queues.

As buses will be disrupted by road closures, those arriving in Manchester by train are advised to take the tram to the Event Village.

Participants are advised to avoid driving to the event due to congestion. For those who do plan on driving, there is no official parking, but Manchester United Football Club has prepaid parking spaces available for £18 when booked in advance. Further information and parking recommendations can be found here.

How can supporters track and watch the event?

Supporters are encouraged to cheer loved ones from along the course rather than at the start and the finish areas where access is limited. They can find out how to track their participant here.

The re-named Deansgate ‘Inter-rave’ – located at Deansgate Interchange - will allow spectators to soak up the atmosphere at mile 1 with a Cybertruck DJ and ‘Kick-off Cam’ showing live starts.

At Wharfside, the ‘Buzz Hub’ will enable spectators can see participants twice on their journey past the iconic Old Trafford stadium, before heading toward Stretford. There will also be inflatable dancing bees and a DJ.

Other prime viewing spots include Stretford, Sale and Chorlton-cum-Hardy. The Event Village at Lancashire County Cricket Club will also have a large screen showing live finish line coverage, as well as food outlets and activities from partners for everyone to enjoy.

It is highly recommended that supporters avoid going directly to the finish line, where viewing will be limited due to large crowds and one-way systems. Supporters are advised to agree a meeting point with their participant in advance, with recommended areas here.

Who is taking part in this year's event?

35% of participants will take on their first official 13.1 miles at the Manchester Half this year, with a record number (50%) of female participants. As host of the England Athletics Championships, the event has also attracted a fierce elite competition, with athletes such as British long-distance runners and Puma athletes Lily Partridge and Charlotte Purdue gearing up.

Celebrities taking part include Coronation Street’s Harriet Bibby (Summer Spellman), Calum Lill (Joel Deering), Channique Sterling-Brown (Dee-Dee Bailey) and Emrhys Cooper (Rowan Cunliffe). Love Island All Star winners Molly Smith and Tom Clare will also take on the challenge, as well as Diane Carson (The Traitors), Camilla Ainsworth (The Apprentice) and Aneila Afsar (The Gladiators).

What else to look out for at this year's Manchester Half?

Hosted by PUMA and Runna, the official Manchester Half shakeout run will take place on Saturday 11th October.

The event will also mark the third and final year of the Express Yourself campaign and the return of hyper-personalised bibs. Finishers will also receive a one-of-a-kind medal with a rotating centre, allowing them to choose one of six unique messages to celebrate their achievement.

What’s more, the course will feature live acts including DJ zones, acoustic sets and more. Spectators can use interactive walking maps on the online Supporter Hub, which contains walking routes and stop-off points for refreshments along the route.

A team of ERDINGER pacers will also be available at the start on the day.

After the finish line, participants can pick up freebies from partners in the Event Village. This includes exciting activities with new partners Vitamin Well and Tesla, as well as PUMA, Runna, Applied Nutrition, ERDINGER Alkoholfrei and Official Charities.

How do I take part in the 2026 Manchester Half?

Those who have been inspired to take part next year can register to access 2026 entries on Monday 13th October here (deadline for registration is 10am on this day). Public entries will then be made available on Tuesday 14th October at Noon.

For more information, please visit https://www.manchesterhalfmarathon.com/home/