Great Manchester Run 2025: route, start time, travel information and everything you need to know

This weekend, more than 30,000 runners will be let loose on the streets of Manchester for the annual Great Manchester Run. There are actually two runs taking place, one covering 10km of the city and another spanning 21.1km (aka a half marathon), both taking participants by Manny’s greatest streets and most iconic landmarks. 

If you’re taking on the run yourself or planning to support someone who is, there’s a lot of things you need to know before the big day. Lucky for you, we’ve got you covered. This is all the important info you need ahead of the Great Manchester Run 2025. 

When is the Great Manchester Run 2025?

It’s happening this coming Sunday, May 18.

When does it start? 

The half marathon commences bright and early at 8.15am, while the 10k event will start at 11.30am (though the elite wheelchair racers set off at 8.10am). Runners will be let through the starting line in waves according to their predicted time. 

• 8.10am: 10k Elite Wheelchair 
• 8.15am: Half Marathon Orange Wave
• 8.40am: Half Marathon Green Wave
• 11.30am: 10k Elite Women
• 11.45am: 10k Elite Men
• 11.45am: 10k Fast Paced and Orange Wave
• 12.05pm: 10k Green Wave
• 12.50pm: 10k Purple Wave 
• 1.10pm: 10k Pink Wave 

What are the routes? 

Both runs start on Portland Street in Manchester city centre and wrap around the city to finish on nearby Deansgate. The 10k route will take runners towards Salford Quays and will loop back to pass Manchester United Football Ground. The half marathon will set off in the opposite direction up to Manchester City Football Ground and back down again to join the 10k route. 

For a better idea, take a look at the map below. 

How do I get there?

Organisers say that the tram will be the best choice for travel on race day. The nearest stops to the start line are Piccadilly Gardens, St Peter’s Square and Deansgate-Castlefield. But make sure to allow plenty of time – it’ll be much busier than normal. 

If you’re getting to the event by train, you’re best off travelling to Manchester Oxford Road (10 minute walk from Portland Street) or Manchester Piccadilly (where you hop on a tram to the start line).

The best places for spectators 

Manchester’s Bee Network (its transport network) has released a handy list of all the tram stops that are right by key spectator spots along the half marathon and 10k routes. They are as follows:

Half Marathon

• St Peter’s Square – for the start line
• Manchester Piccadilly – 2-mile marker
• Etihad Campus/Velopark – 4/5-mile marker
• Wharfside/Imperial War Museum – 10/11-mile marker
• Cornbrook – 12-mile marker
• Deansgate Castlefield – for the finish line

10k

• St Peter’s Square – for the start line
• Cornbrook - 2km marker
• Old Trafford – 4km marker
• Wharfside/Imperial War Museum – 6km marker
• Cornbrook – 9km marker
• Deansgate Castlefield – for the finish line

You can also track your loved ones on the Great Run app, so you know exactly where to be and when in order to catch sight of them. 

Is the Great Manchester Run sold out? 

Yep, both the 10k and half marathon events this year are completely sold out. 

How do I sign up for the Great Manchester Run 2026? 

There’s no information on when you can sign up for next years event just yet. But keep an eye on the Great Run website here for updates.  

Stay in the loop: sign up to our free Time Out UK newsletter for the latest UK news and the best stuff happening across the country