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Charity places in Manchester Half Marathon 2025 | SANE

Supporting those affected by mental illness to change mental health for good. Support this great cause and join the SANE team taking part in Manchester Half Marathon on Sunday 12 October. Sign up today for £25!

  • Sun 12 Oct 2025
Old Trafford Cricket Ground, Manchester

Manchester Half Marathon

09:00

Age 17 & over

Sign up £25

Fundraise £350

  • 13.1 miles road running

Event overview

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.

Highlights

  • Closed roads

    Incredible closed-road route with exciting activations.

  • Awesome live acts

    From brilliant live performances to great DJs and cheer zones all along the route.

  • North West favourite

    Welcoming runners of all abilities.

  • Fast, flat and friendly

    No major hills, massive PB potential featuring a vibrant city centre section.

  • Top quality medal for all

    A stunning medal fit for your efforts.

Event video

  • Event village
  • Fancy dress
  • Spectators
  • Traders at event
  • Wheelchair users

2025 details to be confirmed.

Guideline Timetable

  • 07:00 | Event village and bag drop open
  • 08:00 | Start access area open
  • 08:55 | Wheelchair elites start
  • 09:00 | Elite race starts followed by all other start waves
  • 09:47 | First elite wheelchair finisher
  • 10:26 | First elite runner finisher
  • 10:45-13:00 | Other participants finish

  • Bag storage
  • Entertainment
  • Toilets
  • Urban

Event HQ

Old Trafford Cricket Ground
Talbot Road
Stretford
Manchester
Greater Manchester
M16 0PX
UK

Metrolink

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.

Park and Ride

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.

Rail services

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.

Disabled parking

A limited amount of disabled parking is available and must be booked in advance.

Spectators

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.

  • Cut off time
  • Distance markers
  • Entertainment
  • First aid
  • Flat
  • Food stations
  • Marshals
  • Out and back
  • PB
  • Toilets
  • Traffic free
  • Water stations
  • Wave start

Overview

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.

Map

map

Cut off time

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.

Drinks Stations

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.

  • Recycling
  • Sustainability policy
  • Trees not tees

The organisers recycle, protect the local environment and respect the neighbourhood.

Sustainability overview

  • Water stations

    Drop zones after water stations to discard clean water bottles so that they may be collected and recycled.

  • Discarded clothing

    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.

  • Chip timing
  • Goody bag
  • iTAB
  • Medal
  • Training plan

Your Manchester Half Marathon race experience includes:

Included

  • Course entertainment
  • 4 on-course water stations
  • Science in Sport GO Isotonic energy
  • Gels at specific water stations across the route
  • Fantastic team of pace runners to help you get around in your target time
  • The UK’s flattest major half marathon course measured and certified to IAAF/AIMS standards
  • Event Village with amenities
  • Finisher merchandise to order
  • Official partner goodie hand out
  • Manchester Half Marathon Finishers Medal
medal

Not Included

  • T-shirts (additional cost)
  • Finisher photos

Prizes

  • Male | 1st, 2nd & 3rd will receive a trophy
  • Female | 1st, 2nd & 3rd will receive a trophy
  • Racing Wheelchairs | 1st, 2nd & 3rd will receive a trophy

  • Age 17 & over
  • Entries open
  • Charity entries open
  • Enter online
  • Event merch available
  • Race pack by post

Charity places

Charity places are available for a nominal fee + sponsorship pledge.

Group/team entry

Want to take on the challenge alongside your friends, family or colleagues? Get a team of 10 or more for the Manchester Half and you can get up to 20% off!

Why sign up as a team?

  • Get up to 20% off your entry
  • Having fun whilst enhancing your fitness
  • Option of raising money together for a chosen charity
  • Great exposure if you are from a club or organisation


Elite entries

The Manchester Half would like to invite elite athletes to take part free of charge.

The course is flat and offers a fantastic opportunity to get a very fast time. The course has been officially measured and certified by UKA and World Athletics and has the potential for some huge personal best times. 2024 saw all course records broken:

  • Elite Wheelchair Course Record: Sean Frame (00:48:24)
  • Female Elite Course Record: Lucy Reid (01:09:13)
  • Male Elite Course Record: Jack Rowe (01:02:12)

Entry fees

Entry fee

£39.50

Entry fee

£49.50

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