SUPPORTING THE FUTURE OF MOVEMENT ACROSS OUR CITY

Trafford is home of the Manchester Marathon and Manchester Half start line.

The Manchester Marathon Community Fund is our commitment to the people and places that shape the Manchester Marathon and Manchester Half. For ten years, we've supported and championed local community projects big and small, empowering people of all ages to move more.

Originally the Trafford Active Fund, the Manchester Marathon Community Fund has evolved in partnership with the Trafford Moving Fund and MCR Active, reflecting our events' route and reach across the city. £1 from every paid event entry goes directly to local organisations that use sport and physical activity to change lives.

We’re incredibly proud of our impact so far, but we’re far from finished. As our events grow, so does our commitment to supporting more people in the communities we serve.

BEYOND THE FINISH LINE: A LEGACY OF IMPACT

The Manchester Marathon Community Fund has become a driving force for positive change across Greater Manchester. Thanks to our participants - and the communities that welcome them on event day - the fund has already made an incredible difference.

Together, we’ve helped increase access to sport and supported organisations that make Manchester a healthier, more active place to live.

A FUTURE BUILT ON MOVEMENT

As our events and marathon route have grown, so has our commitment. Our story began in Trafford - the historic home of the Manchester Marathon and Manchester Half - and we’re proud to extend our impact across the wider city with the Manchester Marathon Community Fund.

This is only the beginning. Our vision is a healthier, more active Greater Manchester where every community has the opportunity to move and thrive.

Every entry - and every mile - helps that vision to succeed.

In 2025, the adidas Manchester Marathon finished on Oxford Road in the City of Manchester.

Applying for funding through the Manchester Marathon Community Fund is simple:

  • Community groups and projects in Trafford or the City of Manchester can apply for funding via the Trafford Moving Fund and MCR Active (dependent on their location).
  • A panel from each organisation reviews applications and selects projects that best demonstrate lasting impact.
  • We share stories from funded projects throughout the year, so you can see the difference your event entry makes.

Apply for funding through the Trafford Moving Fund here.

Apply for funding through MCR Active here.

Each project we’ve supported tells a story of real impact - helping people move more and build stronger connections within their communities. Below is a snapshot of recent projects we’ve helped fund, and we’re excited to share more in the near future.

We’re proud to share the stories behind the Manchester Marathon Community Fund - and the amazing people and projects it supports across Greater Manchester.

If you’re a journalist looking to feature the fund, you can find our latest press releases and imagery in the link here.

For all other press enquiries, interview requests, or media opportunities, please contact: ellie.mason@aso-uk.com

To find out more, you can visit our FAQs page or visit each of our distributor’s websites.

LATEST FUNDING NEWS

 

2025 FUNDING UPDATE: A RECORD YEAR FOR COMMUNITY IMPACT

This year, over £60,000 was donated - with £1 from every paid entry into each event helping Trafford Council fund local initiatives that strengthen Greater Manchester’s sporting legacy.

TRAFFORD MOVING FUND TO DONATE £56,000 TO LOCAL GROUPS

The adidas Manchester Marathon and Manchester Half have fortified their long withstanding relationship with Trafford Council, with a total of £56,000 continuing to be donated to Trafford-based sports initiatives.