The Manchester Marathon: The Second Largest In The UK

Jun 9
5 min read

It's a fast and flat course through Greater Manchester starting at Old Trafford football stadium and finishing in the city centre, taking in some of East Cheshire's favourite towns like Altrincham and Timperley. The Manchester Marathon has a rich history dating back to 1908 and now has a field of over 42,000, making it one of the biggest in Europe. April is a busy marathon month in the UK, with the Manchester Marathon, Brighton Marathon and the London Marathon all happening within a month of each other.

City street with a yellow tram traveling past leafy trees and historic buildings. Pedestrians stroll on sidewalks. Bright, clear day.

The Destination

The birthplace of the industrial revolution, Manchester has a proud history in science, politics, music, arts and sport. And today the city combines this heritage with a progressive vision to be a city that delivers surprise and delight in equal measures. Manchester city centre is jam-packed with buzzing restaurants, bars and cafes, great shops and fascinating museums and galleries. The Science and Industry Museum should be at the top of your list. The surrounding Greater Manchester boroughs offer a real mix of visitor experiences including quaint market towns, traditional pubs and beautiful green spaces and waterways to be explored on foot or bike. The city region is easily navigated, with great transport links, both in and around Greater Manchester. This is very much a Greater Manchester event and you'll see plenty of the region on your way round, like the towns of Sale and Altrincham, both well worth a visit once your race is done. Altrincham's new market hall is a must.

Manchester is easy to get to with an international airport only a few miles from the city centre and excellent train links. Accommodation options are plentiful, with some swanky new hotels available if you're feeling flush.

History

The First Manchester Marathon was run in 1908, starting and finishing at the Saracen’s head pub in Warburton in Trafford. This was a 20 mile (there was no established distance for a marathon then) run organised by Salford Harriers. The first ever amateur marathon to be run using the now established marathon distance of 26 miles 385 yard distance was the Manchester Marathon in 1909. This marathon started in Sandbach and finished at the Fallowfield Stadium in Manchester.After a 14 year gap, the Manchester marathon returned and kept the same course from 1923 to 1928 and 1931 to 1936. This route started and finished at the Fallowfield Stadium passing through Cheadle, Timperley, Altrincham, Hale Barns, Styal and Gatley. From 1969 to 1973 the Maxol marathons started from Manchester Town Hall and finished at Old Trafford football stadium. Manchester Marathons were then run from 1981 to 1985 and from 1996 to 2002. After an absence of ten years the iconic Manchester Marathon returned to Trafford, the sporting heart of Greater Manchester, to offer the North West a truly magnificent personal challenge. Since then it has continued to grow, and firmly established itself as one of Europe’s premier marathon events.

Cityscape with red brick buildings, MANCHESTER ARNDALE text, busy streets with buses and trams, overcast sky, vibrant urban mood. — The route includes large parts of the City Centre and parts of leafy Cheshire, such as Sale and Altrincham

Race Organiser

The Manchester Marathon is organised by Human Race Limited. It is part of a group of companies whose ultimate parent company is Amaury Sport Organisation, the organisers of the Paris Marathon and the Paris Half, along with many others.

When?

The race is held annually in April.

Distances

Marathon only, but they also offer a big half marathon in October.

Is there an expo?

There is no formal expo. Race packs are dispatched in the post prior to the event weekend for those UK based. These could arrive any time up until 48 hours before the run. If they don't arrive in time they can be collected at the race hotel, but not on race day.

How many runners?

In 2026 there were just over 42,000 finishers.

Old Trafford entrance with "MANCHESTER UNITED" in red letters. Bronze statue of three footballers stands in front, cloudy sky above. — The famous Old Trafford football stadium

The course

The Manchester Marathon begins in the shadow of one of the world's most famous sporting landmarks: Old Trafford. As thousands of runners gather on the start line, anticipation fills the air. The atmosphere is electric, with supporters lining the streets and volunteers helping participants prepare for the challenge ahead. The opening miles are designed to help runners settle into their rhythm. Wide roads and enthusiastic crowds create an ideal environment for finding a comfortable pace while soaking up the excitement of race day.

Leaving the start area behind, the course winds through Stretford before heading towards Sale. These early sections are characterised by residential streets packed with local supporters who transform the route into a community celebration.

Families, friends, and local residents line the pavements, ringing bells, waving banners, and offering encouragement to runners of all abilities. The support in these neighbourhoods is often cited as one of the defining features of the Manchester Marathon experience. As runners approach Altrincham, the route opens up and the field begins to spread out. This section allows participants to settle into their target pace and enjoy one of the fastest stretches of the course. Altrincham's bustling town centre provides another boost of energy. Spectators gather in large numbers, creating an atmosphere that rivals some of the biggest city marathons in Europe.

For many runners, the miles through Timperley represent the heart of the race. By this stage, the excitement of the start has faded and the real challenge of the marathon begins.

Fortunately, the crowds never seem to disappear. Community groups, schools, and local organisations often set up cheering stations, music points, and themed support zones that help keep spirits high. These moments of encouragement can make all the difference as runners push through the middle miles. As the route heads back towards the city through Sale Moor and Chorlton, the finish line begins to feel within reach. The atmosphere intensifies with every mile, and supporters recognise that runners are entering the most demanding stage of the race.

The final stretch is where determination takes over. Legs are tired, but the crowds grow louder. Every cheer, every clap, and every shout of encouragement helps carry participants towards their goal. The marathon concludes on Oxford Road, one of Manchester's most iconic thoroughfares. Crossing the finish line is an emotional moment, whether you're chasing a personal best, completing your first marathon, or simply celebrating months of training. The finish area buzzes with excitement as runners collect their medals and reflect on the journey they've just completed. For many, it's not only the achievement of running 26.2 miles that stands out, but also the warmth and support shown by communities across Greater Manchester.

What's unique?

Old Trafford stadium is something of a mecca for football fans, primarily for Manchester United fans. The finish in the heart of the city is a truly memorable experience.

Do charities benefit?

In line with other UK marathons there is an extensive charity programme that encourages runners to raise money for their preferred charity. There are a number of headline and preferred charities that invest in the event in exchange for profile on the website and within event communications to the runners.

Our verdict

Not just a London substitute anymore this is a marathon that had grown hugely in the last few years. Great crowds and a great start and finish area it well worth having at look at this one.

How to register

Online via the website. Previous runners are given preferential entry so it now sells out fast. There are entries available via a number of charities on the site. This will require you to raise an agreed amount for that charity.