PARTICIPANTS

First time to Manchester? Getting around is simple with the city’s Metrolink tram system. There are 99 stops on the network with many close to the event start, finish line and along the route.

Services will begin operating from 7am on event day morning. Closer to the event, timings will be provided for the first tram on each line.

GETTING TO THE EVENT

We recommend the following Tram Stops to get to the start area, and to depart the finish area:

ARRIVALS PRIOR TO 9:30am 

If you are planning to arrive for the start of your wave prior to 9:30am we would advise you to arrive at Old Trafford tram stop or Trafford Bar and walk 10 minutes to the start area (Bag Drop, Toilets and start access area) located outside Manchester United’s Old Trafford stadium. 

ARRIVALS AFTER 9:30am 

For anyone planning to arrive after 9:30am we would advise you to arrive at  Wharfside or  Exchange Quay tram stops. This is due to the need to cross the route from Old Trafford tram stop at that time. 

Although no tram stops will close for the event, participants are advised to avoid Old Trafford and Trafford Bar if arriving after 9:30am. The start area is less accessible from these stations and crossing the busy route at designated points may cause delays.

See below table which shows which station to use based on your start access time: 

Please note: all participants must access the start area from the E2 Car Park at Old Trafford Stadium to go through the start process, even if you arrive ‘run ready’ with no need to use the Bag Drop. Toilets are also located in this area. 

Only participants  will be able to access the E2 Car Park. There will be no spectator access into the Start Area at E2 Car Park so to ensure a smooth arrival process and less crowds on the trams, we advise that no spectators travel with you to the start area.  

Make sure that you check your journey in advance and leave plenty of time for busy trams and possible queues. For service updates across the weekend visit the Metrolink website. 

You can find a helpful walking map below:

If you’re arriving on the morning of the event, we recommend traveling to Piccadilly or Victoria station. From here you can then connect with Metrolink trams (refer to the above section) to take you to the start line. 

If you’re arriving at Oxford Road train station, you will need to make the short walk to St Peter’s Square tram stop, where you can then board a tram. 

PARK AND RIDE

Park and Ride using the Metrolink is a quick and easy solution to travel to the event, without worrying where to leave your car. This is a free service to passengers with a valid Metrolink ticket. 

See below locations and no. of spaces: 

• East Didsbury – 296 spaces. 

• Brooklands – 84 spaces. 

• Navigation Road – 71 spaces. 

• Sale Water Park – 301 spaces. 

• Ladywell – 454 spaces. Recommended, trams stop at Exchange Sq. 

• Parkway – 360 spaces. Recommended, trams stop at Wharfside 

Head to the Transport for Greater Manchester Park & Ride website for more details on these locations and the service. 

CAR PARKING

Official Parking is not provided at this event. The route requires a significant number of road closures across the Sunday and we strongly dissuade you from driving on event day as road closures are likely to cause congestion on other parts of the network, potentially causing additional traffic and delays to your journey.

PARKING AT MANCHESTER UNITED FC (START AREA)

If you would like to park, MUFC opens up a limited number of pre-paid parking spaces at £20 per space. No parking will be available to purchase on event day. This car park closes at 10pm.

 

 

Whether you use this or any other public car park please keep in mind that many roads will be closed for the event so please ensure you plan a route that avoids road closures. Unobstructed access to the MUFC car park is possible from the M60 (Junction 9), and M602 (Junction 2). Instructions on driving to MUFC car parks on event day can be found here. 

Please note MUFC parking is operated independently of the event organisers.

FINISH LINE & DISABLED PARKING

Please do not park at the NHS Car park at Manchester Royal Infirmary as these are for use by the public and those needing access to the hospital on the day of the event. 

There are a number of car parks situated near the finish line where you can travel to the start line via Metrolink. We advise using the following car parks these can also be used for anyone requiring blue badge parking. We advise booking in advance of the event day to secure a guaranteed space. 

• Q Park – First Street (28 disabled bays) 

• NCP – Manchester Palace (4 disabled bays) 

• NCP - Manchester Oxford Street (6 disabled bays) 

• NCP – Manchester Central (15 disabled bays) 

• APCOA – Manchester China Town (unknown number of spaces) 

• Q Park – Piccadilly Place (30 disabled spaces) 

We suggest the following locations for supporters including supporters with disabled access needs: 

• Manchester Aquatic Centre  (unknown number of spaces) 

• NCP – Circle Square (38 disabled bays)