Manchester Half Marathon 2024 start times, water stations, toilets and best places to cheer on the runners

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The Manchester Half Marathon returns this October.

The race will see more than 24,000 runners take to the streets for the 13.1 mile route around the city on October 13. The event has been a staple of the social calendar for most years since its creation in 2016.

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There’ll be plenty of people familiar with Manchester streets taking part in the half marathon this year. There will also be a large number of runners who might even be visiting Manchester for the first time.

Ahead of race day, organisers have compiled a list of all the things runners and spectators should be aware of. We’ve rounded up some of these which you should become familiar with ahead of October 13.

What time does the Manchester Half Marathon start?

On the day, the elite wheelchair participants will set off first at 8.55am, followed by the elite wave at 9am. Following this, participants will set off in roughly 10-minute intervals, depending on their allocated wave colour, until 10.39am.

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Where is the start line?

To access the start on event day, participants should head to the Event Village at Lancashire County Cricket Club. Here there is a bag drop station, toilets and marshals who will direct participants to the start line at the Trafford Arch.

Where will water stations, toilets and nutrition be located?

The route for the Manchester Half Marathon 2024The route for the Manchester Half Marathon 2024
The route for the Manchester Half Marathon 2024 | Manchester Half Marathon

There will be four water stations located approximately every three miles along the course to keep participants refreshed. Isotonic Energy Gels from Applied Nutrition will also be available at the second and fourth water stations to help participants along the way. Toilets are located at each water station as well as at the Event Village and at the start of the race.

Which roads will be closed?

Road closures will be in effect along and immediately around the half marathon route starting from Saturday October 12. Please allow extra time for any journeys as open roads in the surrounding areas will be busy. Many bus services will also be diverted due to these closures.

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Where is best for spectators to watch the Manchester Half Marathon?

With two new cheer zones, spectators are best to encourage loved ones from along the course rather than at the start and the finish area where access is limited. The first of the new areas is a PUMA Cheer Zone at Deansgate Interchange, where spectators can soak up the atmosphere at the mile 1 mark and watch participants start the challenge live on the ‘Kick-off Cam’. There will also be a DJ truck and cheer signs for spectators to customise.

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The second new cheer zone is the ‘Buzz Hub’ at Wharfside. Here, participants can be spotted twice on their journey past Old Trafford stadium, before they start heading out towards Stretford. The ‘Buzz Hub’ will also have inflatable dancing bees and a DJ.

Other prime viewing spots include Stretford, Sale and Chorlton just one mile before the finish. To see participants cross the finish line, head inside the Event Village at Lancashire County Cricket Club, where a large screen will show the finish line coverage live, along with food outlets and activities from Manchester Half partners.

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

Along with the two new cheer zones, this year's event will feature many live acts including DJ zones, acoustic sets and more. To make the most of what’s on offer, spectators can also use new interactive walking maps on the online ‘Spectator Hub’. These maps contain recommended routes for walking; stop-off points for refreshments; and some logistical and transport suggestions.

Returning for a second year, RUN PUMA HOUSE will open its doors to runners and spectators across the event weekend for pre-shakeout runs, tips from elite athletes and limited-edition personalised sliders for the finishers. To get involved head to 293 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 4EW on October 12 (8.30am - 4pm) and October 13 (9am - 4pm).

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