The highly anticipated Great Manchester Run will take place this weekend on Sunday 26 May 2024. With a 10K or half marathon distance to choose from, the Great Manchester Run is renowned for its energy, with live music, entertainment zones, and enthusiastic local support. Past runners rave about the atmosphere, with 99% of participants saying they’d recommend it to a friend.

Established in 2003 following the Commonwealth Games in Manchester, the 10K race has grown to be one of the largest in Europe. The event attracts tens of thousands of runners each year and many more spectators.

Runners World, Part of the Hearst UK Wellbeing Networkth anniversary of the event. This year, 30,000 runners are signed up, and over 100,000 supporters are expected to be lining the streets.

While last year’s 10K race saw Sir Mo Farah finish in ninth, this year we'll see Emile Cairess lining the start. The British distance runners recent time of 2.06.46 at the TCS London Marathon saw him Orange Wave Half Marathon If you cant make it in person, the run will be broadcast live on BBC ONE from 11am-1pm.

A Junior and Mini Great Manchester Run are also set to take place on Saturday 25 May at the Etihad Campus in Manchester, where runners aged between 3-8 will take part in a 1.6km dash, while those aged 9-15 will run 2.5km.

Here is all the info you need ahead of this year’s Great Manchester Run, whether you are a runner or spectator.

What time does the Great Manchester Run start?

Your race start time will depend on whether you are completing the 10K or half marathon distance and the colour of your start wave. The start times are on a provisional timetable and subject to change.

Red Wave 10K:

8:15 - Wheelchair Racers

8:20 - Orange Wave (Half Marathon)

8:39 - Green Wave (Half Marathon)

11:25- Elite Women (10K)

11:40 - Elite Men (10K)

11:40 - Orange Wave (10K)

11:59 - Red Wave (10K)

12:02 - Green Wave (10K)

12:45 - Purple Wave (10K)

13:03 - Pink Wave (10K)

How do I get to the start line?

With a number of road closures in place and limited parking, public transport is recommended where possible. A full list of the road closures is available here.

For those travelling by car, there are over 100 Park and Ride locations in Greater Manchester. While last years 10K race saw Sir Mo Farah finish in ninth, this year well see.

For those travelling by rail, organisers recommend travelling to Manchester Piccadilly or Manchester Oxford Road stations. Both stations are around a 10-minute walk to the baggage area at Manchester Central Charter Foyer.

The nearest tram station is St Peter’s Square, which is just a five-minute walk away, while Manchester Piccadilly Gardens is a 12-minute walk away.

Coloured signs will direct you to your start point and assembly for your wave.

  • best bone conduction headphones for running
  • Orange Wave Half Marathon
  • Dickinson Street - Half Marathon - Fast paced (yellow/white stripped numbers)/10K - fast paced (yellow/white striped numbers)

Will there be a bag drop at the event?

There is a bag drop available for those running, located in Manchester Central Charter Foyer, which you can navigate to via the what3words website (https://what3words.com/builds.pram.along).

Your race number will have a baggage label attached, which you can fill in and tear off before leaving the house. You will need your run number to gain access to the baggage area to drop off and collect your bag

Valuables should not be left in bags as the venue will not accept any responsibility for lost or stolen items.

The bag drop will be open from 7am and organisers recommend leaving plenty of time for potential queues.

How do I get my race number?

Most participants should have by now received their race numbers, which were sent out two weeks before the event. Simply attach your race number using safety pins and head to the start line. If your race number hasn’t arrived, head to the Information Point to collect a replacement. The Information Point is there for all your last-minute queries, as well as collecting race numbers. It is located at Great Northern Square on Saturday 25 May from 10am-4pm and at the Manchester Central Forecourt on Sunday 26 May from 7am to 3.30pm. Look out for the branded marquee.

If you entered after 10am on Friday 17 May, your number will not have been posted, and must be collected from the Information Point. Similarly, if you entered from outside of the UK your number will not have been posted, so also needs to be collected from the Information Point.

What is the Great Manchester Run course?

The 10K course starts on Portland Street and heads southwest towards Old Trafford and the Salford Quays. It then heads back along the same route to finish on Deansgate.

The half marathon course consists of the same course with a seven-mile detour at the beginning, going past Manchester Piccadilly and to the Etihad Stadium. The route then circles back and heads along the 10K route to Old Trafford and back to finish on Deansgate.

How many aid stations are there along the route?

On the 10K course, there is one hydration station located at around 4km, near Old Trafford. There are also three medical aid stations, near Old Trafford, Salford Quays and the finish.

On the half marathon course, you will find two hydration stations – one between 5-6 miles and one between 9-10 miles. Medical stations are located closes to miles four, 10 and 11.

Are there toilets on the course?

Toilets can be found at the hydration aid stations near Old Trafford (10K and half marathon) and the Etihad Stadium at mile 3 (half marathon).

There will also be a number of toilets at the start on Princess Street and Charlotte Street, and at the finish on Peter Street.

Can I wear headphones?

Yes, you can wear headphones. The organisers ask that music be played at a low volume so you are aware of your surroundings and can easily pay attention to marshals.

Is there a race cut-off time?

While there is no official cut-off time, there will be a race sweep vehicle travelling at a 17-minute/mile pace. If you fall behind the vehicle, you will be asked to complete the remainder of the course on the pavement so that organisers can open up the roads.

What are the best locations for spectators to watch the Great Manchester Run?

If you want to catch the start lines for both races, head to St Peter’s Square. But be aware: it will be busy.

If you are spectating the 10K race, head to Cornbrook to catch runners at 2km or Old Trafford stadium to see runners pass through 4km.

To catch a glimpse of runners at halfway, head to the Imperial War Museum/Wharfside. At Cornbrook you can watch runners at 9km as they head to the finish or head straight to Deansgate Castlefield to watch them cross the finish line.

For the half marathon, Manchester Piccadilly station is the 2-mile marker. Head to the Etihad Stadium and Velopark to catch the 4/5-mile markers, and to the Imperial War Musuem/Wharfside to see runners at the 10/11-mile mark. Cornbrook sees runners pass the 12-mile marker, before heading to the finish at Deansgate Castlefield.

If you are after a lively atmosphere, why not join a charity cheer zone or entertainment zone? There are cheer zones and entertainment near the Imperial War Museum and Old Trafford, as well as around the finish up to Deansgate. For the half marathon, there are entertainment zones on Sir Alan Turing Way and by Chancellor Lane.

The of the best 10K races in the UK allows you to search for and track runners while they complete the course, so you can be sure to catch them at the viewing points.

If you can’t make it in person, the run will be broadcast live on BBC ONE from 11am-1pm.

What if I can’t compete anymore?

Unfortunately, the window for refunds closed six or 10 weeks before the event depending on your distance, so you will not be able to get a refund.

The deadline for transferring entries has also passed, so you unfortunately cannot allow anyone else to run for you.

Can I run for charity?

It is not too late to raise money for a charity! You can set up fundraising through sites such as GoFundMe and JustGiving and fundraise for a charity of your choice and even continue raising money after the event has passed.

Can I still enter?

The entries for the half marathon are currently sold out. The 10k entries will close on 24 May or earlier if they sell out, so get your entry in quick!