Manchester Half Marathon
Sun 13 Oct 2024 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.

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  • Sun 13 Oct 2024
Old Trafford Cricket Ground, Manchester

Manchester Half Marathon

09:00

£39.50

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.

Come and experience the UK’s flattest major half marathon course - measured and certified to IAAF/AIMS standards.

Highlights

  • Closed roads

    Incredible closed-road route including new city centre section.

  • Express Yourself Edition

    Share with the world who you are, what motivates you and express what or who you love.

  • North West's favourite

    Welcoming runners of all abilities.

  • Fast, flat and friendly

    No major hills, massive PB potential featuring a vibrant city centre section.

  • Awesome medal

    Quality medal for every finisher.

Event video

  • 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

Express Yourself Edition

You’re unique. Act like yourself, look like yourself. Embrace your individuality, it’s something to celebrate. No one else has faced the same challenges as you, so you can’t be compared.

You're encouraged to express who you are. Show the world your true self through your clothing, personalised bib, voice, or, if you so wish, an interpretive dance mid run. You are invited to embark on a unique journey, showcasing and celebrating everything that led you to this moment.

  • 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.

Spectators

The new Manchester Half Supporter Hub is a fantastic go-to guide for watching loved ones at the much-anticipated event!

Use it to plan your day, including the best spots to watch participants; spectating tips and advice; and how to make the most out of Manchester and enjoy an exciting day out.

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

The start and finish area as in previous years will be near Old Trafford, and this year, once again, the Manchester Half will cruise into the vibrant city centre. As usual, you can expect cheer stations and unrivalled support from the crowds as you conquer the 13.1 mile course (think loud and then double it).

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

map

Cut off time

3 hours

There is a cut off time for this event. The Finish Line will close 3 hours after the last runner has crossed the start line (this equates to a pace of approximately just over a 13 minute mile). The roads along the course are re-opened in staggered zones and so you will need to achieve the minimum pace throughout.

Drinks Stations

  • Drinks Station 1 | 2.9 Miles Along Route, Bridgewater Way near Cornbrook M16 9EZ
  • Drinks and Gel Station 2 | 5.7 Miles Along Route, A56 outside Manchester Timber Centre at Poplar Rd
  • Drinks Station 3 | 8.7 Miles Along Route, Dane Rd / Danefield Rd in Sale
  • Drinks and Gel Station 4 | 11.4 Miles Along Route, Manchester Rd, Chorlton by Chorlton Library – 11.4

  • Recycling
  • Sustainability policy
  • Trees not tees

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

Sustainability overview

  • 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 UKโ€™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
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 โ€“ 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.

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

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

Heart

Heart Research UK

Funding pioneering medical research into the prevention, treatment and cure of heart disease.

  • T-shirt
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Dedicated contact

Sign up
£20.80

Fundraise
£250

Cancer

Brainstrust

Helping the brain tumour community to feel less alone and more in control.

  • Technical t-shirt
  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials

Sign up
£20.80

Fundraise
£200

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
£10

Fundraise
£150

Health and Medical

Parkinson's UK

Find a cure and improve life for everyone affected by Parkinsonโ€™s.

  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials

Sign up
£25

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

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
  • Dedicated contact

Sign up
£15

Fundraise
£250

Mental health

Samaritans

Samaritans is available round the clock, every single day of the year providing a safe place for anyone struggling to cope, whoever they are, however they feel, whatever life has done to them.

  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Dedicated contact

Sign up
£20

Fundraise
£300

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
£26

Fundraise
£250

Mental health

Mental Health UK

Helping people with mental health problems have a better life.

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

Sign up
£20.80

Fundraise
£250

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

Charity places

Charity places are available from free + sponsorship pledge.

Group/team entry

Want to take on the challenge alongside your friends, family or colleagues? Get a team of 10 or more for the Manchester Half and you can get up to 20% off!

Why sign up as a team?

  • Get up to 20% off your entry
  • Having fun whilst enhancing your fitness
  • Option of raising money together for a chosen charity
  • Great exposure if you are from a club or organisation

Entry fees

Early bird entry fee

£39.50

Great half marathon, good for a first timer, flat and easy run, very well run, easy start and finish, baggage collection slick, good also for a seasoned runner going for a PB as the course is flat and easy to run. Good water stations, great support, nice finishers tshirt and super medal. Chris B

Wonderful race to break a PB. Nelio S

This was my first ever half marathon and I already can’t wait until next years event. It was really well organised, fantastic support from the crowds and everyone involved. Well done to all the runners on the day, roll on next year! Adam R

My first ever half marathon completed, and I all can say is it was well organised from start to finish. Definitely will be back to run this again. James S

MHM was fantastic. Great communication, great logistics. Was able to beat my personal record. Will definitely come back  Dief C

This is the best run I've ever taken part in. Loads of stewards, well organised, amazing atmosphere, incredible (Beyond incredible) support from the local community, brilliant water stations, great course. Everything about it is amazing. Joel M

Absolutely spot on, really enjoyed it! David F

Reviews thanks to RaceCheck