Manchester Marathon 2023: Race arrival and start times - with full list of colour waves

The Manchester Marathon will take over the city this Sunday, with thousands of participants and spectators hitting the streets. In what will be a truly memorable event, timing is key.

The big day is Sunday, April 16. The event will see the streets of Manchester turned into a haven for runners, with roads closed to traffic for much of the day.

Ahead of race day, here’s all the times and other organisational information that will come in handy. You can keep up to date with all the latest updates through the Manchester Marathon website. 

Manchester Marathon 2023 start times

The time at which you start the Manchester marathon will depend on what colour bib you have. These will have been sent out to you after completing the application process.

To ensure a smooth day, start times are staggered throughout the day. Those with the first time slot set off at 8.55am, this is when the Elite wheelchair participants will start.

The times provided by marathon organisers include a time you should arrive at the starting point. There is also an estimated start time for when people in that wave will set off.

The last wave of participants to get underway will be those with purple bibs. They are expected to be up and running by 11am.

Organisers have said access to the Start Process is via Talbot Road, and past the Trafford Town Hall sunken gardens. They have reminded participants they should not try to access the start line from any other direction.

A spokesperson for the race said: “Checks will be in place in this location to ensure the correct colour bibs are entering at the right time. Please don’t leave any clothes here (there is a chance later on in the process to do this so please keep hold of it for now and keep warmer!). You’ll be called through by our host when the next stage is ready to welcome your wave colour.”