The Manchester Half is a 13.1 mile challenge that takes place every October, starting and finishing by Old Trafford. It is easily the biggest half marathon in the region, with the 2024 event welcoming over 24,000 participants. The challenge aims to truly represent all the wonderful people of Manchester, and celebrate their achievements.
Since its launch in 2016 the Manchester Half has received rave reviews from participants, thanks to its professional delivery, flat route and amazing support from crowds around the course.
The event has been licensed by England Athletics and has been approved as a Race that will be held under UK Athletics Rules for Competition.
Incredible closed-road route with exciting activations.
From brilliant live performances to great DJs and cheer zones all along the route.
Welcoming runners of all abilities.
No major hills, massive PB potential featuring a vibrant city centre section.
A stunning medal fit for your efforts.
These charities have places in the event. To secure your place, select a charity and complete the form to ask a question or get signed up.
Cancer
Helping the brain tumour community to feel less alone and more in control.
Sign up
£40
Fundraise
£300
Disability
Helping people with a learning disability to live their lives as they choose.
Sign up
£15
Fundraise
£200
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
Mental health
Supporting those affected by mental illness to change mental health for good.
Sign up
£25
Fundraise
£350
Health and Medical
Making a real difference to cancer patients, both now and in the future.
Sign up
£10
Fundraise
£250
Cancer
Pioneering new cancer treatments to create a future beyond cancer.
Sign up
£15
Fundraise
£1,350
2025 details to be confirmed.
Old Trafford Cricket Ground
Talbot Road
Stretford
Manchester
Greater Manchester
M16 0PX
UK
You are advised to get to the event via the reliable tram network. There are a number of cost-effective ticket options for both runners and spectators. The Event Village, toilets, start line, finish line are a short walk from the following recommended tram stops: Old Trafford (1 min walk), Trafford Bar (10 min walk), Wharfside and Exchange Quay (both approx a 15 min walk). These tram stations have designated route crossing points which allow safe access across the run route. Do not use Pomona tram station as you will not be able to cross the run route.
There are over 100 park and ride locations in Greater Manchester. It’s easy to park up and hop on the tram for a hassle-free journey to the event.
If you are travelling to the event from outside Manchester by rail we recommend using either Manchester Piccadilly or Manchester Victoria Stations. Both stations have Metrolink connections so you can quickly hop on a tram to continue your journey.
A limited amount of disabled parking is available and must be booked in advance.
The new Manchester Half Supporter Hub is a fantastic go-to guide for watching loved ones at the much-anticipated event!
Use it to plan your day, including the best spots to watch participants; spectating tips and advice; and how to make the most out of Manchester and enjoy an exciting day out.
The start and finish area as in previous years will be near Old Trafford, and this year, once again, the Manchester Half will cruise into the vibrant city centre. As usual, you can expect cheer stations and unrivalled support from the crowds as you conquer the 13.1 mile course (think loud and then double it).
The route will be officially measured by an independent body, and a certificate issued to ratify the official Half Marathon distance.
3 hours
There is a cut off time for this event. The Finish Line will close 3 hours after the last runner has crossed the start line (this equates to a pace of approximately just over a 13 minute mile). The roads along the course are re-opened in staggered zones and so you will need to achieve the minimum pace throughout.
There will be 4 water stations conveniently located along the course to keep you refreshed. Water will be provided in 330ml bottles, please make sure to aim for the bins when you discard the bottles.
The Isotonic Energy Gels from Applied Nutrition will only be available at Drink Stations 2 and 4 so please plan ahead and remember to bring additional hydration and nutrition based on your individual needs. Gels on course will be supplement to your own. Applied Nutrition recommends to consume 1 – 3 gels per 60 minutes during exercise.
The organisers recycle, protect the local environment and respect the neighbourhood.
Drop zones after water stations to discard clean water bottles so that they may be collected and recycled.
Any discarded items of clothing at the start line will be donated to charity.
To protect the environment and to respect the neighbourhoods – you need to help! Only clean water bottles can be recycled. Those thrown into hedgerows, gardens and trees cannot! Look out for the drop zone and target bins just after the water stations. Whilst there are no prizes for the distance you can throw your water bottle, by aiming it at the target bins, you will be helping to recycle and run a litter-free race. This also helps our local residents as it means the roads can be cleaned up and reopened swiftly. Remember to run tidy – let’s have a litter-free race.
Your Manchester Half Marathon race experience includes:
Every year thousands of runners take part in this event and fundraise for charity. While this is hugely beneficial to the charities it gives the runner advantages too, from supporting a cause that is close to your heart to securing a place in this highly sought-after event and much more.
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 videos for social media, branded imagery and testimonials from previous runners.
Whether this is your first run or your fifth, 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. Experts include Runningwithus, Full Potential and Olympic champs.
When you show up on the day, 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 run in on the big day, and often 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.
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 are closed.
Running a half marathon and charity fundraising go hand-in-hand - which charity will you run for?
Great half marathon, good for a first timer, flat and easy run, very well run, easy start and finish, baggage collection slick, good also for a seasoned runner going for a PB as the course is flat and easy to run. Good water stations, great support, nice finishers tshirt and super medal. Chris B
Wonderful race to break a PB. Nelio S
This was my first ever half marathon and I already can’t wait until next years event. It was really well organised, fantastic support from the crowds and everyone involved. Well done to all the runners on the day, roll on next year! Adam R
My first ever half marathon completed, and I all can say is it was well organised from start to finish. Definitely will be back to run this again. James S
MHM was fantastic. Great communication, great logistics. Was able to beat my personal record. Will definitely come back Dief C
This is the best run I've ever taken part in. Loads of stewards, well organised, amazing atmosphere, incredible (Beyond incredible) support from the local community, brilliant water stations, great course. Everything about it is amazing. Joel M
Absolutely spot on, really enjoyed it! David F
Reviews thanks to RaceCheck
