adidas Manchester Marathon | Your guide to running
Known as one of the UK's fastest, flattest and friendliest marathons, this popular 26.2-mile race attracts thousands of runners each year to the North West's biggest city.
Manchester has a reputation for being one of the friendliest and most welcoming cities in the UK, which partly explains why the adidas Manchester Marathon is growing in popularity year on year - though there's much more to it than that.
The fourth-largest marathon in Europe, this is an internationally recognised event that attracts runners in their thousands. They flock to the North West for the course (a flat route with serious PB potential), the crowds (there's brilliant support along the whole route) and the atmosphere (an electric buzz takes over the centre of Manchester on race day). Over 24,000 people took part in the 2022 edition of the race and that number is expected to grow in 2023 to 30,000!
If you're interested in entering the adidas Manchester Marathon, this is where you'll find out how to enter and key information for making the most of your experience. For anyone unsure whether to get involved, read on to find out why running in Manchester is an experience you will never forget.
Please note that the route may change.
Route highlights
The start line
The race begins under the distinctive Trafford Arch, with 30,000 runners setting off together at 09:00. The electric atmosphere that will continue for 26.2 miles starts here!
City centre
At around four miles, after the route has weaved through Old Trafford, runners will enter the city centre amidst huge crowds of cheering supporters. With live music and the motivation stations, there's more than enough to keep your spirits high!
Theatre of Dreams
At around mile seven, the route turns towards Manchester United's home ground of Old Trafford. This iconic stadium has been the scene of historic sporting victories and incredible musical performances, so will hopefuly inspire runners to their own success!
Altringham
After the halfway point, the route turns down Park Road and South into Altringham, where there are charity cheer stations and entertainment zones clustered into one movitational mile. After the long stretch down the A56, you may appreciate the energy this creates!
Activity stations
From the 17 mile mark, the route begins heading North through Baguley, Sale Moor and Chorlton-cum-Hardy. Along the way, you'll encounter a rock choir, DJ and other high-energy zones - just a small selection of the motivational stations along the route.
The finish line
The 26.2 mile mark signals the end of your run, returning to the Athlete's Village by the Old Trafford Cricket Ground. Here, you can celebrate with your fellow runners and collect your merchandise!
Sign me up for the adidas Manchester Marathon
The route of the adidas Manchester Marathon takes runners through the city centre.
What can you expect?
Take 30,000 enthusiastic runners, add them into a city renowned for its vibrant and friendly culture, and what do you get? A race atmosphere unlike any other. It's not just the marathon itself that helps to make this event a memorable experience, though.
Brilliant support
From the city centre to the turnaround point at Altringham, there are thousands of spectators lining the streets to cheer on runners and help motivate you to cross that finish line with a smile on your face. What's more, the activity stations along the route, manned by charities and local organisations, are tailor-made to keep the energy high throughout your run.
Team relay
For a unique challenge, enter the marathon as part of a team of two or four, dividing the marathon into segments of roughly 13.1 or 6.5 miles. Not only will this cut down the amount of running you need to do and allow you to pick up the pace, it will allow you to share the experience with family, friends or colleagues! Every team member will receive a medal and t-shirt.
Athlete's village
At the end of your run, head straight to the Athlete's Village to be greeted by food stalls, charity stands with goody bags, partner organisations with merch to pick up, as well as massage stations for tired legs. This is where runners can celebrate their achievement with one another and enjoy a well earned rest!
Medal and t-shirt
The chunky medal you receive for completing the adidas Manchester Marathon is a fitting reward for your efforts over the 26.2-mile course. Its design - and that on the t-shirt you will also receive - embodies the bold, vibrant atmosphere of both the race and the city in which it takes place.
Sign me up for the adidas Manchester Marathon
Ranging from the city centre to Altringham, the marathon route celebrates the city's culture and heritage.
How to enter
Once you've made the decision to enter the adidas Manchester Marathon, doing so is simple - just head to our dedicated webpage for the event and get yourself signed up! Entries are available for both individuals and teams, with different price points.
You can also apply to run for charity, which will not only provide additional motivation for your training and run but will also mean that you receive dedicated support in return. To do so, just click 'enter now' on our webpage and use the charities filter to find a cause that means something to you or to find charities with the best offers on entry fees and fundraising commitments.