Everything you need to know about the North West of England’s biggest race at 13.1 miles, with key information for runners and spectators ahead of the event.
The Manchester Half Marathon takes place on Sunday (October 13) and the event will see more than 24,000 people take to the streets for the 13.1 mile challenge.
This year will be the biggest release yet, compared to last October’s 16,500.
In the elite men’s race, Jack Rowe won in a course record 62:40, beating Andrew Hayes and Tommy Power, who clocked 64:40 and 66:09 respectively.
Rowe will be hoping to defend his title in Manchester at the weekend and will start favorite in the event, which also combines the English Half Marathon Championships.
In last year’s elite women’s race, Lauren McNeil set a course record, winning in 70:02. Lauren Howarth and Gemma Astin also beat the previous record, running 71:22 and 71:55 for second and third respectively.
Runners in the event are expected to raise thousands of pounds for local and national charities. A total of 1,620 participants will take part in a related charity, with 710 taking part for one of the Official Charity Partners, Alzheimer’s Society, Cancer Research UK and The Christie.
Men’s Podium 2023 (Manchester Half)
What time does half time start in Manchester?
On the day at 08:55 the participants with the elite wheelchair will leave, and at 09:00 the elite wave. Participants will then depart in approximately 10-minute intervals, depending on their assigned channel color, until 10:39 AM.
What is the halfway point in Manchester?
To enter the launch on the day of the event, participants must go to Lancashire County Cricket Club’s Events Village. There will be a bag drop station and toilets while marshals will direct participants to the start line near Trafford Arch. All route information, including a handy interactive map, can be found here.
Starting at Old Trafford, participants will head into the city before turning around and running along Salford Quays, past Old Trafford, the home of Manchester United, and then on to Stretford.
Just after half way through the seven mile mark the route passes through Sale before taking the finish line through Chorlton-cum-Hardy and on to the Talbot Road finish line.
The full participant guide can be viewed here and additional route information can be found here.
Road closures around half of Manchester?
From October 12 (Saturday), there will be road closures along the half-marathon route and in the immediate vicinity. The A56 (North and South) and M60 Junction 7 will be closed until late afternoon. Full details of road closures can be found here here.
Women’s Podium 2023 (Manchester Half)
What is the best way to get there on the day?
The best way to get to and from the event is to use the tram network. For a quieter tram stop, use the Imperial War Museum stop, which is a 15-minute walk from the start. The closest tram stations to the event village are Old Trafford (three minutes walk) and Trafford Bar (10 minutes walk), but these stations will be very busy and may have queues.
If you are traveling by train to Manchester, it is best to take the tram to the Events Village as bus routes will be disrupted due to road closures.
Roads are expected to be busy, so participants are advised to avoid driving to the event if possible.
Where is the best place for spectators to watch Manchester half time?
With two new exciting cheer zones, spectators can best cheer on loved ones along the route, rather than at the start and finish, where access is limited.
The first of the new spaces is the PUMA Cheer Zone at Deansgate Interchange, where spectators can soak up the atmosphere from the mile mark and watch the contestants start the challenge live on the Kick-off Cam. There will also be lively beats from a DJ truck and cheer signs for spectators to tune in to.
The second new joy zone is the Buzz Hub at Wharfside. Here the contestants can be spotted twice on their journey past Old Trafford before heading out to Stretford. The Buzz Hub will also have inflatable dancing bees and a DJ.
Other key viewing locations include Stretford, Sale and Chorlton-cum-Hardy, just a mile from the finish. To watch the participants cross the finish line, pop into the Event Village at Lancashire County Cricket Club, where a big screen will show live coverage of the finish line, along with food outlets and action from Manchester Half partners.
Returning for a second year, the RUN PUMA HOUSE will open its doors to runners and spectators throughout the event weekend for pre-shakeout runs, elite athlete tips and a limited number of personalized sliders for finishers. To get involved, visit 293 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 4EW on October 12 (08:30 – 16:00) and October 13 (09:00 – 16:00).
Run PUMA House (PUMA)
How can I take part in the 2025 Manchester Half?
Although this year’s event is sold out, those who missed out or are inspired to attend next year’s event can register for 2025 for the best price entry. here. Applications will then be open to the public on October 15 at 12:00 p.m.
More information can be found here.
What is it? Manchester half.
The Manchester Half is a 13.1 mile race that takes place every October, starting and finishing at Old Trafford. It is the largest half marathon in the region, with the 2024 event welcoming over 24,000 participants. The challenge aims to really showcase all the wonderful people in Manchester and celebrate their achievements.
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