Manchester Half Marathon
Sun 15 Oct 2023 Manchester, Greater Manchester, UK

Manchester Half Marathon

Round off the season with a flat and fast half on fully closed roads with some of the best crowd support around and receive your chunky medal near Old Trafford. Charity places now available for 2023.

Get charity place
  • Sun 15 Oct 2023
Old Trafford Cricket Ground, Manchester

Manchester Half Marathon

09:00

FREE-£40

Age 17 & over

  • 13.1 miles road running

Overview

The Manchester Half is a 13.1 mile challenge that takes place every year, starting and finishing by Old Trafford, and is one of the biggest in the region with over 15,000 runners. It’s an event that aims to truly represent all the wonderful people of Manchester, and celebrate their achievements.

Since its launch in 2016 it has received rave reviews from participants, thanks to its professional delivery, flat route and amazing support from crowds around the course.

Highlights

  • Closed roads

    Incredible closed-road route including new city centre section.

  • North West's favourite

    Welcoming runners of all abilities.

  • Fast, flat and friendly

    No major hills and massive PB potential.

  • Awesome medal

    Quality medal for every finisher.

  • Event village
  • Fancy dress
  • Spectators
  • Traders at event
  • Wheelchair users

Guideline Timetable

Exact details to be confirmed near the time.

  • 07:00 | Event village and bag drop open
  • 08:00 | Start access area open
  • 08:55 | Wheelchair elites start
  • 09:00 | Elite race starts followed by all other start waves
  • 09:47 | First elite wheelchair finisher
  • 10:26 | First elite runner finisher
  • 10:45-13:00 | Other participants finish

  • Bag storage
  • Entertainment
  • Toilets
  • Urban

Event HQ

Old Trafford Cricket Ground
Talbot Road
Stretford
Manchester
Greater Manchester
M16 0PX
UK

Metrolink

You are advised to get to the event via the reliable tram network. There are a number of cost-effective ticket options for both runners and spectators. The Event Village, toilets, start line, finish line are a short walk from the following recommended tram stops: Old Trafford (1 min walk), Trafford Bar (10 min walk), Wharfside and Exchange Quay (both approx a 15 min walk). These tram stations have designated route crossing points which allow safe access across the run route. Do not use Pomona tram station as you will not be able to cross the run route.

Park and Ride

There are over 100 park and ride locations in Greater Manchester. It’s easy to park up and hop on the tram for a hassle-free journey to the event.

Rail services

If you are travelling to the event from outside Manchester by rail we recommend using either Manchester Piccadilly or Manchester Victoria Stations. Both stations have Metrolink connections so you can quickly hop on a tram to continue your journey.

Disabled parking

A limited amount of disabled parking is available and must be booked in advance.

  • Cut off time
  • Distance markers
  • Entertainment
  • First aid
  • Flat
  • Food stations
  • Marshals
  • Out and back
  • PB
  • Toilets
  • Traffic free
  • Water stations
  • Wave start

The 2022 Manchester Half had a new-look route, featuring a section through the city centre for the very first time. The team planned the greatest edition yet, ensuring the course retains its famously flat character whilst including new crowd-pleasing sections!

The route will be officially measured by an independent body, and a certificate issued to ratify the official Half Marathon distance.

Manchester Half Marathon route map
MANCHESTER HALF MARATHON ROUTE MAP 2023
New and improved last year.

Cut off time

The finish line will close 3 hours after the last person begins the Half Manchester Marathon. Due to the zonal staggered road re-opening times, you will be asked to move onto the pavement if you do not keep within the 3-hour pace. This is so we can facilitate roads re-opening for local businesses and residents.

  • Recycling
  • Sustainability policy
  • Trees not tees

The organisers recycle, protect the local environment and respect the neighbourhood.

Sustainability

  • Water stations

    Drop zones after water stations to discard clean water bottles so that they may be collected and recycled.

  • Discarded clothing

    Any discarded items of clothing at the start line will be donated to charity.

To protect the environment and to respect the neighbourhoods – you need to help! Only clean water bottles can be recycled. Those thrown into hedgerows, gardens and trees cannot! Look out for the drop zone and target bins just after the water stations. Whilst there are no prizes for the distance you can throw your water bottle, by aiming it at the target bins, you will be helping to recycle and run a litter-free race. This also helps our local residents as it means the roads can be cleaned up and reopened swiftly. Remember to run tidy – let’s have a litter-free race 

  • Chip timing
  • Goody bag
  • iTAB
  • Medal

Your Manchester Half Marathon race experience includes:

Included

  • Course entertainment
  • 4 on-course water stations
  • Science in Sport GO Isotonic energy
  • Gels at specific water stations across the route
  • Fantastic team of pace runners to help you get around in your target time
  • The UK’s flattest major half marathon course measured and certified to IAAF/AIMS standards
  • Event Village with amenities
  • Finisher merchandise to order
  • Official partner goodie hand out
  • Manchester Half Marathon Finishers Medal

Not Included

  • T-shirts (additional cost)
  • Finisher photos

Every year thousands of runners take part in this event and fundraise for charity. While this is hugely beneficial to the charities it gives the runner advantages too, from supporting a cause that is close to your heart to securing a place in this highly sought-after event and much more.

Benefits of running for charity

Committing to raising money for charity gives you motivation to get outside and run, plus all of these extras which will elevate your event experience:

  • Fundraising support

    Charities know that raising money is all part of the challenge, which is why they provide advice, branded materials and a personalised online fundraising page to help the donations roll in. Think videos for social media, branded imagery and testimonials from previous runners.

  • Training support

    Whether this is your first run or your fifth, you'll need to train for it! You'll receive an in-depth training plan with guidance, plus many charities have access to expert coaches and elite runners too, who can provide exclusive tips for your race preparation. Experts include Runningwithus, Full Potential and Olympic champs.

  • Branded running kit

    When you show up on the day, people need to be able to see clearly that you're supporting a charity. Most charities will give you a branded and personalised t-shirt or vest to run in on the big day, and often a training top too.

  • Support on the day

    When you're partway through your run and your energy is flagging, what you need is a boost from cheering spectators to keep you moving. Many charities set up a cheer station along the route, keeping an eye out for you to send up a huge cheer as you run past!

  • Post-race recovery

    Refreshments and an indulgent post-race sports massage are often provided by charities for their runners. This is the perfect way to recover alongside other people who have run for that cause.

  • Exclusive social groups

    You won't be the only person running for that charity, so it's well worth meeting other runners through the charity's invite-only social media pages! You can organise to meet up for training runs, chat with the charity's expert coaches and share tips and stories with each other to keep the motivation levels running high.

What are charity places?

Charities buy places in this event, then give them to runners who agree to raise money for the charity – these are called charity places. Charity places are a great way to support a good cause and get a place in the event, especially if general entries are closed.

Running a half marathon and charity fundraising go hand-in-hand - which charity will you run for?

Charity places

These charities have places in the event. To secure your place, select a charity, complete the form and follow the instructions.

Cancer

Prostate Cancer Research

Transforming Research. Transforming Lives.

  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Dedicated contact

Sign up
£15.60

Fundraise
£200

Older people

Independent Age

Advice and support for older age.

  • Personalised running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Pro training advice
  • Dedicated contact
  • Exclusive social group
  • Certificate

Sign up
£20

Fundraise
£250

Free sign up Health and Medical

The Christie

Making a real difference to cancer patients, both now and in the future.

  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Dedicated contact

Sign up
FREE

Fundraise
£250

Animals

Cats Protection

For a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs.

  • Running vest
  • Personalised running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Training plan
  • Dedicated contact
  • Exclusive social group
  • Certificate
  • Submit fundraising up to 1 month after event

Sign up
£25

Fundraise
£150

Free sign up Heart

Cardiomyopathy UK

Providing information and support to sufferers of this incurable disease which could affect anyone of any age.

  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials

Sign up
FREE

Fundraise
£250

Free sign up Homelessness

Missing People

The only UK charity that reunites missing children and adults with their loved ones.

  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Dedicated contact
  • Submit fundraising up to 1 month after event

Sign up
FREE

Fundraise
£300

Disability

Mencap

Helping people with a learning disability to live their lives as they choose.

  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Dedicated contact

Sign up
£20

Fundraise
£300

Cancer

Target Ovarian Cancer

Raise awareness, fund research and save lives.

  • T-shirt
  • Technical t-shirt
  • Running vest
  • Personalised running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Dedicated contact

Sign up
£5

Fundraise
£300

Children

Make-A-Wish UK

Creating life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.

  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Training plan
  • Training guide
  • Dedicated contact

Sign up
£20

Fundraise
£300

Free sign up Cancer

The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity

Pioneering new cancer treatments to create a future beyond cancer.

  • Personalised running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Dedicated contact

Sign up
FREE

Fundraise
£150

Children

Sands

Reducing the number of baby deaths.

  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Training plan
  • Training guide
  • Dedicated contact
  • Pre-event meet-ups

Sign up
£15

Fundraise
£300

International

CAFOD - Catholic Agency for Overseas Development

CAFOD is there, wherever the need is greatest to ensure that no one is beyond reach.

  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Dedicated contact

Sign up
£20

Fundraise
£400

Children

Roald Dahl's Marvellous Children's Charity

Providing nurses and support to help seriously ill children in the UK.

  • T-shirt
  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Training plan

Sign up
£30

Fundraise
£350

Social welfare

Victim Support

Where people affected by crime or traumatic events get the support they need and the respect they deserve.

  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Dedicated contact

Sign up
£30

Fundraise
£200

  • Age 17 & over
  • Entries open
  • Charity entries open
  • Enter online
  • Event merch available
  • Race pack by post

There are different types of entries available:

  • Individual entry
  • UKA Affiliated entry
  • Best Sellers Package - includes an official training top and personalised medal insert
  • Manchester Duo Event Ticket - includes entry into the half marathon 2023 and full marathon 2023
  • Two person ticket
  • Charity places are available from free + sponsorship pledge.
  • Group/team entry | Teams of 10 or more get up to 20% off

Entry fees

Entry fee (Unaffiliated)

£40.00

Entry fee (Affiliated)

£38.00

Entry fee

£0.00