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.
Event details are on the Manchester Half Marathon listing.
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.
Mental health
Supporting those affected by mental illness to change mental health for good.
Sign up
£25
Fundraise
£350
Disability
Helping people with a learning disability to live their lives as they choose.
Sign up
£15
Fundraise
£200
Cancer
Helping the brain tumour community to feel less alone and more in control.
Sign up
£40
Fundraise
£300
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?
