The Manchester Marathon is taking place this weekend on Sunday, October 10th 2021.

The 26.2-mile race is the second most popular in the UK with approximately 40,000 runners and raises over £3 million for charity alongside its sister event, the Manchester Half.

This year due to Covid-19 measures, spectators will not be allowed at the start, finish or Athlete’s village to allow for more space between the runners and room on the trams.

What time does the event kick-off?

Live coverage of the marathon will begin at 7am on www.manchestermarathon.co.uk

The Wheelchair Elites will begin at 10.20am and the Elite race will start shortly after at 10.25am.

Between 10.30am – 12.30pm the Manchester Marathon will begin. There will be a staggered arrival process to avoid crowding and all runners will be emailed in advance with a specific time to arrive at the start based on their finisher time.

What is the route?

The start and finish line are close to Manchester United’s Old Trafford stadium, close to Old Trafford tram stop.

The route goes through Hulme and the city centre before heading to Altrincham and turning back towards Old Trafford.

There will be water, toilets and first-aid stations along the route.

The finish line will close six hours after the last person has crossed the finish line.

You can see the full route mile-by-mile on the website here.

Will Covid-19 affect the race?

The event has been planned in a socially distanced way to ensure the safety of all runners and staff. The organisers will email runners with any updates but at present runners are not required to wear a mask and hand sanitising stations will be available.  

If you cannot take part in the marathon due to having to self-isolate you can email the event at info@manchestermarathon.co.uk with proof, between 2 weeks prior to the event and no later than one day after.

How can I get to the event?

The event team are strongly advising that runners and spectators use the tram network which run from outside of the city centre.

The nearest tram stops are Trafford Bar, Old Trafford & Imperial War Museum. Wharfside Way, Exchange Quay and Pamona are not to be used as the running route is note accessible from these stops.

You can plan your Metrolink route via the website here.

There are also over 100 park and ride locations in Greater Manchester, many near the tram stops which are free to use.

If using the train, it is recommended that you arrive at Manchester Piccadilly or Manchester Victoria, as they have great access to the tram stops.

What do I need to bring with me?

  • A pre-booked parking ticket or Metrolink tram pass
  • Race number with the emergency information filled in on the back (this also includes a timing chip)
  • Your race kit
  • If you are using the bag drop, bring a small backpack or gym bag
  • Safety pins or something to attach your race number to your kit
  • Spare kit, including something waterproof and warm, and something for after the race

What road closures are in place?

There will be various roads in Greater Manchester and Cheshire closed to make way for the marathon route.

The Manchester Marathon website has an interactive map which shows the road closures, you can see the map here.