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It’s that time of year again. Some 42,000 eager beavers are set to get running through the streets of Manchester this weekend, raising money for charity, keeping fit, inspiring others and having a good time in the process. That is, you will have noticed, a lot of people – a record high, in fact, up from last year’s 35,000.
The second-biggest marathon in the UK (after London, obvs, which is attracting more than 50,000 this year – and could double in size in 2027) is always an incredible spectacle, whether you’re completing the whole 26.2 miles or cheering on from the sidelines.
Here’s everything you need to know about the 2026 Manchester Marathon.
When is the 2026 Manchester Marathon?
The action kicks off this weekend, on April 19, the week before the London Marathon (which is being held on April 26).
Can I still join?
It sold out months ago, with charity partner spots now closed too. Sorry – but at least we didn't tell you to ‘jog on’!
Manchester Marathon start times
As ever, the start times will be staggered, with ‘Elite’ runners – the athletes competing for medals – getting priority. The Elite Wheelchair race starts at 8.55am and the Elite runners at 9am. From 9am, various other groups – assigned according to their estimated finish time – will set off within 10 minutes of each other, with the last start time kicking off at 11.30am. If you want to change your start time for any reason, you can choose a later slot than the one you were assigned – but not an earlier one.
Here’s a full breakdown of the start times for each wave
- Elite Wheelchair: 8.55am
- Elite: 9am
- White: 9am
- Red: 9.10am
- Blue: 9.20am
- Bronze: 9.30am
- Light Green: 9.40am
- Purple: 9.50am
- Yellow: 10am
- Navy: 10.10am
- Grey: 10.20am
- Maroon: 10.30am
- Orange: 10.40am
- Black: 10.50am
- Pink: 11am
- Cyan: 11.10am
- Dark Green: 11.20am
- Coral: 11.30am
Route map
All participants will take their places in the starting area at the E2 carpark in the Old Trafford stadium. The race starts on Bridgewater Way, with the finish line on Oxford Road. Inbetween, runners will embark on a circular route through the south of the city, passing through the towns of Sale and Altrincham, before heading back in the direction of the city centre. Here’s the route in handy PDF form.
Best places for spectators to watch
Want to be there from the very start? Adidas is taking over the Deansgate Interchange with its Supporter Send Off – think tunes, crowds and messages of support. Manchester Marathon officially recommends arriving at Deansgate tram stop and heading down Chester Road to get a good eyeful.
Otherwise, your best bet could be one of the various carparks on Oxford Road, though there are plenty of alternatives along the route if you don’t want to look like a glory supporter. Park and Ride carparks are a good option – even better, entry is free with your Metrolink ticket. Or how about visiting one of the lovely towns and suburbs that the route snakes through? The following are always a delight:
- Hulme
- Stretford
- Sale
- Altrincham
- Chorlton
Road closures
There are loads, staggered throughout the day, starting as early as 6am on Saturday and closing as late as 4am the following Monday. There’s a full breakdown on the Manchester City Council website.
Weather forecast
The weather is actually set to be pretty perfect for marathon running – or as perfect as it can be. There’s little chance of rain and it won’t be windy, while it won’t be too hot and/or sunny, either.
Expect temperatures to range from 8C to 13C, with the Met Office saying there will be ‘sunny intervals’.
How to enter the 2027 Manchester Marathon
If you’re not running this year and reading this has left you itching to dig out your Lycra, worry not – there’s already a date for next year’s race: April 18 2027. Entries will be released this month and, as before, there’ll be no ballot – it’s a first come, first served affair. You can join the Priority Access list via the form here. On your marks, get set… go!
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