It's Manchester's original and best-loved running event, with people taking part for a range of reasons including to hit a fitness goal, to hear thousands of strangers cheering you on, for fun or to do something incredible for charity.
25,000 runners line up on the start line of the Great Manchester Run Half Marathon each spring and a huge number of these will be charity runners ie. people who have secured a charity place in the event in return for raising funds for a charity.
Every year these incredible charity runners raise millions of pounds for important causes. You too can get a guaranteed place in the event and make a positive difference at the same time by running for one of these charities.
Charities buy places in this event, then give them to runners who agree to raise money for the charity – these are called charity places. Charity places are a great way to support a good cause and get a place in the event, especially if general entries have sold out.
Committing to raising money for charity gives you motivation to get outside and run, plus all of these extras which will elevate your event experience:
Charities know that raising money is all part of the challenge, which is why they provide advice, branded materials and a personalised online fundraising page to help the donations roll in. Think eye-catching videos for social and traditional collection tins too.
Whether this is your first or fiftieth half marathon, you'll need to train for it! You'll receive an in-depth training plan with guidance, plus many charities have access to expert coaches and elite runners too, who can provide exclusive tips for your race preparation.
When you show up in central Manchester, people need to be able to see clearly that you're supporting a charity. Most charities will give you a branded and personalised t-shirt or vest to wear with pride on the big day, and often kit you out with a training top too.
When you're partway through your run and your energy is flagging, what you need is a boost from cheering spectators to keep you moving. Many charities set up a cheer station along the route, keeping an eye out for you to send up a huge cheer as you run past!
Refreshments and an indulgent post-race sports massage are often provided by charities for their runners. This is the perfect way to recover alongside other people who have run for that cause.
You won't be the only person running for that charity, so it's well worth meeting other runners through the charity's invite-only social media pages! You can organise to meet up for training runs, chat with the charity's expert coaches and share tips and stories with each other to keep the motivation levels running high.
The Great Manchester Run Half Marathon and charity fundraising go hand-in-hand - which charity will you run for?
These charities have places in the event. To secure your place, select a charity and provide your details.
Mental health
The mental health charity.
Sign up
£20
Fundraise
£300
Free sign up
Health and Medical
Making a real difference to cancer patients, both now and in the future.
Sign up
FREE
Fundraise
£250
Heart
Funding pioneering medical research into the prevention, treatment and cure of heart disease.
Sign up
£20
Fundraise
£250
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Health and Medical
The leading global type 1 diabetes (T1D) research and advocacy charity.
Sign up
£25
Fundraise
£350
Health and Medical
Rebuilding lives after stroke.
Sign up
£25
Fundraise
£250
Social welfare
Where people affected by crime or traumatic events get the support they need and the respect they deserve.
Sign up
£30
Fundraise
£300
Armed forces
Mentally, physically and socially wounded ex-service personnel and their families are supported to receive the help they deserve.
Sign up
£35
Fundraise
£380
Free sign up
Rescue
Flying to save lives.
Sign up
FREE
Fundraise
£240
Health and Medical
Know Diabetes. Fight Diabetes.
Sign up
£30
Fundraise
£250
Children
Making dreams come true to bring joy to seriously ill children.
Sign up
£20
Fundraise
£250
Cancer
Helping the brain tumour community to feel less alone and more in control.
Sign up
£20
Fundraise
£225
Mental health
Supporting those affected by mental illness to change mental health for good.
Sign up
£20
Fundraise
£200
Cancer
No one should have to face cancer alone.
Sign up
£25
Fundraise
£350
The Great Manchester Run half marathon course is unsuitable for wheelchair participants however wheelchair participants of all abilities are welcome into the Great Manchester Run 10K.
There is a question on the entry form that asks if you are a wheelchair user and if you will be participating in a self-propelled racing wheelchair, or if you will be participating in a standard wheelchair and will be assisted (pushed).
The Business Challenge is a corporate running challenge in the biggest cities across the UK. It’s open to organisations of all shapes and sizes, is suitable for groups large or small (minimum team of 4) and is great for all ages and abilities. If you’re tired of cringey teambuilding exercises, it’s a great way to invest in workforce wellbeing for a happier and healthier team.
Boasting a city centre start and finish, the course lends itself to a great PB and takes runners on a wonderful city tour featuring Manchester United football ground, Coronation Street, Manchester City football ground, the Etihad Stadium, Old Trafford, the Imperial War Museum and Albert Square.
The Great Run Company is in the process of updating its Sustainability Strategy in light of its collaborative approach and recent survey. Work to minimise the environmental impacts of their events will continue throughout this process, with particular focus on:
In addition, they are striving to improve performance even further by making sure that sustainability is embedded at the heart of the organisation and culture.
Finisher tees are now optional. You can choose to forgo your finisher tee shirt at the point of entry, and in lieu of this the organiser will make a donation to the National Trust Woodlands Appeal.
The organisers will donate a portion of the fulfilment costs for each runner who chooses this option to the fund and commit that this donation to be around £20,000.
A shiny new, Great Manchester Run medal, an exclusive finishers t-shirt plus a finisher’s bag filled with goodies.
Event day tracking and results ready to view on the app shortly after you cross the finish line.
Access to exclusive runners only discounts and offers via the rewards platform.
Make it personal with an iTAB. Order yours when you sign up.
For environmental reasons the official t-shirt is now optional.
Official event day photos available to view and purchase straight after the event, so smile for the cameras!
Wondering whether to run for charity but unsure how to fundraise? Charities are experts in this topic and will provide the reassurance you need but here are some tips get you started:
Starting your fundraising early gives you the best chance of reaching – and even exceeding – your sponsorship goal.
Keep talking about your fundraising target to your friends, family, colleagues, social media followers - everyone!
Seize the chance to make it your own: sell unwanted clothing online, hold an afternoon tea, host a ticketed dinner party, wash some cars, shave your beard; be inspired!
This event is awesome. We take part every year and whatever your fitness level, age, or reasons to take part, you are guaranteed a life-affirming experience.
My favourite 10K! Incredible support and entertainment all around the course to keep you going. Manchester is a special city and this is always a special event.
Rain, hail or shine, the amazing folk of Manchester come out every year to cheer you on! They pick you up at the start and carry you to the finish!
Wonderful atmosphere and would highly recommend this to anyone whether you're a 10K first timer or not.
A lovely, mainly flat route, which took in both the Etihad Stadium and Old Trafford. A well-supported event, which I will be back to do again next year.
A really good 10K race, can't wait to do it all again next year! Crowds were really supportive and the bands helped keep enthusiasm levels up.
