Manchester Half Marathon 2022: how to get to the start line and which metrolink stop is closest?

The Manchester Half Marathon will bring thousands of runners to the streets of the city this weekend.

Road closures will give those taking part the freedom of the city, and many parts of the route will be packed with spectators.

Getting to the starting line will be the main priority for those taking part, and luckily there are plenty of ways for runners to get there.

Here’s all you need to know about how to get to the start line for the half marathon - including via Metrolink.

When is the Manchester Half Marathon 2022?

The 2022 Half Marathon takes place on Sunday October 9 with the start and finish line both located in the Trafford area of Manchester.

How to get to the Manchester Half Marathon starting line via Metrolink

The Metrolink has almost 100 stops around Greater Manchester, and several are within a short walk of the starting line of the half marathon.

Services will begin to operate across the network at 7am on the morning of the half marathon.

The nearest stop to the Start Area for the Marathon is Old Trafford, located on the Altrincham (purple/green) line.

Alternatively, to get to the Start Area you can also use the following stops:

Trafford Bar on the Altrincham (purple/green) line – 10 min walk

Wharfside on the Trafford Centre (red) line – 15 min walk

Exchange Quay on the Eccles (light blue/orange) line – 15 min walk

Which Metrolink stop should I use as a spectator?

The official page of the Half Marathon provides information on which stops spectators should use depending on where along the route they wish to watch.

Below is a list of the stops which, at a glance, are close to the race route and approximately how far along they are:

• Deansgate Castlefield – Around 2 miles
• St Peter’s Square – After 2 miles
• Cornbrook – Before 6 miles
• Sale – After 7 miles
• Stretford – After 10 miles
• Chorlton – After 11 miles
• Firswood – Around 12 miles
• Trafford Bar/Old Trafford – For the Finish Line

Park and Ride & Metrolink is a quick and easy solution to travel to the event, without worrying where to leave your car.

This service is free service to passengers with a valid Metrolink ticket and is available at the following car parks:

• East Didsbury – 302 spaces.
• Brooklands – 108 spaces.
• Navigation Road – 81 spaces.
• Sale Water Park – 300 spaces.
• Ladywell – 250 spaces.
• Parkway – 360 spaces

Parking at Manchester United FC

The race organisers strongly advise using public transport to get to the half marathon, but if you need to take your car then there is limited parking at Old Trafford Football Stadium.

The places cost £12 and need to be pre-booked through Manchester United FC’s website.