The Manchester Half Marathon is back, and it’s bigger than ever! On Sunday, October 13, 2024, over 24,000 runners will flood the streets of Manchester for the North West’s largest half marathon.
If you’re one of the lucky participants (or cheering from the sidelines), here’s everything you need to know to make the most of this huge event.
What Time Does It All Kick Off?
First up at 08:55 am, we’ve got the elite wheelchair racers speeding off, followed by the elite runners at 09:00 am.
After that, waves of runners will be set off every 10 minutes or so, based on their allocated wave colour, with the last group starting at 10:39 am.
So, if you’re a spectator, you’ve got plenty of time to grab your coffee before the action really gets going!
Where’s the Start and What’s the Route?
All the action kicks off from the Trafford Arch, but first, you’ll want to swing by the Event Village at Lancashire County Cricket Club.
Drop your bags, use the loos, and get ready for a big day. From there, it’s go time! The route takes runners through Manchester’s iconic landmarks.
Starting in Old Trafford, runners will loop through the city, past the stunning Salford Quays, and alongside the legendary Old Trafford Stadium, home to Manchester United.
Just over halfway through, runners will pass through Sale before making their way to the final stretch through Chorlton-Cum-Hardy.
The finish line? Right there on Talbot Road, where all the high-fives and glory await!
The full participant guide can be viewed here and additional route information can be found here.
Staying Hydrated and Energised
There are four water stations spaced every three miles to keep everyone refreshed. For that little extra boost, there’ll be Isotonic Energy Gels from Applied Nutrition at the second and fourth stations. No worries about toilet stops either—they’re at every water station, the Event Village, and the start line. (more information here).
Roads Closing? You Bet!
Road closures kick in on Saturday, October 12, along the route and surrounding areas. Expect traffic on the open roads to be slow and bus routes to be diverted. If you’re driving, plan ahead, but ideally, leave the car at home.
The A56 (North and Southbound) and the M60 Junction 7 will be closed until late afternoon, full details on road closures can be found here.
Best Way to Get There?
Your best bet is to hop on the tram. The closest tram stops to the Event Village are Old Trafford (just a 3-minute walk) and Trafford Bar (10 minutes away), but be prepared for queues. If you want a quieter station, try the Imperial War Museum stop, a 15-minute stroll from the starting line.
If you’re catching the train, it’s smart to transfer to the tram once you get to Manchester, as buses will be affected by the road closures.
And if you have to drive, parking at Manchester United Football Club is an option, but you’ll need to book in advance for £15.
Further information and parking recommendations can be found here.
Where Should Spectators Watch?
For the best view, avoid the packed start and finish lines and check out the new cheer zones along the course.
There’s a new PUMA Cheer Zone at Deansgate Interchange (mile 1), where spectators can catch runners live on the ‘Kick-off Cam,’ enjoy a DJ set, and even personalize some cheer signs.
Then there’s the Buzz Hub at Wharfside, where you can spot runners twice as they pass by Old Trafford Stadium. Expect inflatable bees, another DJ, and all the good vibes.
Other top viewing spots include Stretford, Sale, and Chorlton-Cum-Hardy, just a mile from the finish.
If you want to see participants cross the finish line, head to the Event Village at Lancashire County Cricket Club, where the whole thing will be broadcast live on a big screen, complete with food stalls and activities from event partners.
Who’s Running?
You’ve got everyone from first-timers to elite runners hitting the pavement this year. Expect to see familiar faces like Runna athlete Anya Culling and last year’s champ, Puma athlete Jack Rowe, battling it out at the front of the pack. Plus, this year, the Manchester Half is hosting the England Athletics Half Marathon Championships, where the top two finishers will secure spots on the England Athletics team.
If you’re into celeb-spotting, you’ll also catch some stars from the small screen, including Coronation Street’s Elle Mulvaney (aka Amy Barlow) and Emmerdale’s Isabel Hodgins (Victoria Barton), among others.
What’s New and Exciting This Year?
There’s more than just running going on! The crowd-favourite hyper-personalized bibs are back with fun new designs, including a ‘Bee-moji’ and ‘Persona Stamp’. Plus, there are live acts all along the course to keep the energy high—think DJs, acoustic sets, and more.
RUN PUMA HOUSE is also returning for another year, offering runners and spectators a spot to warm up, cool down, and grab some limited-edition personalised sliders. It’s open all weekend, so swing by for some pre-race tips from elite athletes and post-race fun.
Planning Ahead for 2025?
If you didn’t get in this year or you’re already feeling inspired to do it again, don’t worry! You can sign up for priority access to the 2025 Manchester Half and get the best-priced entries before they go public on Tuesday. Full details and registration can be found on the event website.
Whether you’re running, cheering, or just soaking up the atmosphere, the 2024 Manchester Half is shaping up to be one for the books!