Manchester Marathon Bag Drop FAQ’s
We’ve got a bag drop available, but why not bring along a supporter to cheer you on? They can look after your belongings too, so you can avoid any potential queues.
If you do need to use the bag drop, no worries! Here are some frequently asked questions about the new process for the 2025 adidas Manchester Marathon to help you navigate things on the day.
The bag drop is situated on Wharfside Way adjacent to Manchester United Football Club stadium. It is approximately a 5-10 minute walk from the start access area.
Bag drop opens from 7:00am. Participants using bag drop are advised to arrive at least 45 minutes before their designated start access time to ensure sufficient time for the bag drop process.
Participants are permitted to drop one small bag (e.g. a small rucksack or sports bag) - your bag must be able to fit inside our waterproof bags which are 55cm by 45cm
- Arrival: Upon arrival at the start area, participants who need to use bag drop should follow signs for, and will be directed towards, the bag drop area.
- Bag Collection: Volunteers will provide clear waterproof bags for participants to place their bag and belongings into.
- Drop-Off: Follow signs and head to the lorry designated for your wave. Each wave has access to at least two lorries (Elite, White and Red waves will only have one lorry each). Lorries are divided into three sections (A, B, C), you can choose any letter, so please join the shortest line.
- Identification: At the front of the queue hand over your bag and you'll receive a wristband corresponding to the lorry number and bay where your bag is stored. A matching tag will be attached to your bag.
- Storage: Volunteers will load your bag onto the lorry. The lorry will drive to the finish area.
Before you reach the front of the queue ensure that everything is in the bag provided and that it is tied tightly.
- Post Finish Line: After crossing the finish line follow the designated route. Part way through the post finish line handouts at the junction of Oxford Road and Booth Street if you dropped a bag turn left to proceed to the bag collection area (don’t worry this decision point will be signed and people will be about to help direct you too!)
- Collection: Return to the same lorry number and the same lettered bay where you dropped off your bag at the start area (this information will be written on your wristband). Present your wristband to the volunteers, who will match it with the tag on your bag and return it to you.
- Departure: After collecting your bag, continue through the rest of the finish area towards the exit.
If you didn't drop a bag at the start then follow the finish process and at the junction of Oxford Road and Booth you will need to turn right to continue towards the Erdinger handout area.
Participants are encouraged to bring only essential items. It's advisable to leave valuables at home or with a trusted supporter. Whilst we will do our best there is a chance the bags may get damp if it is raining and you do not tie the waterproof bag securely, so don’t leave anything in them that will spoil. Make sure you tie up the top of the provided bag tightly before it is handed over. Ensure all items fit within the provided bag and avoid bringing large or bulky items.
If you misplace your wristband, please head to the lost bag tent at the end of the bag collection area for assistance. They will have procedures in place to verify your identity and facilitate the return of your belongings. This process may involve a wait whilst the bag is identified so do try not to lose it.
For security reasons participants are required to collect their own bags. Ensure you retain your wristband to facilitate a smooth collection process.
If you drop out along the route but have dropped a bag please head to the lost bag tent located at the junction of Higher Cambridge St and Booth St West (https://what3words.com/jazz.abode.froth). The tent is located within a secure area so you will need to show your race bib to the steward on the fence gate to gain access, so make sure you keep this on you. At the tent show them your wristband and they will retrieve and return your bag to you.
The event employs a tagging system where each bag is labelled with a unique identifier matching your wristband. Access to the bag storage areas is restricted to authorised personnel to help to ensure the safety and security of belongings. However, whilst the organisers take all care possible, all items are dropped at your own risk and no responsibility is taken for any items or bags dropped.
The event now has a point-to-point route rather than the historical “loop”, this means we are no longer able to have bag drop and collection in one place, and so need to move your bags from the start to the finish for you.
This is to help to ensure that the contents of your bag stay dry in the packing and unpacking process, it will also allow us to pack the bags in an orderly manner in the lorry.
To reduce wastage the bags are not issued in advance and can only be collected on the day.
Yes, the bags are made from 90% sugarcane. We also encourage you to re-use the bag before its end of life.
If you're seeking luggage storage options in Manchester several services offer convenient and secure solutions. A few possible ones to check out include:
- LuggageHero - Provides flexible storage through local businesses across Manchester. You can store your luggage for £1 per hour or £4.50 per day, accommodating all bag sizes. Bookings can be made online or via their official app (visitmanchester.com)
- Bounce - Offering numerous storage locations throughout Manchester, including areas near Old Trafford, Manchester City Centre, and Etihad Stadium. The service is priced at £3.90 per day, with each booking including £10,000 protection and free cancellation (bounce.com)
- Radical Storage – Partnering with local establishments, referred to as "Angels," to provide luggage storage services. Notable storage points include areas near Piccadilly Station, Manchester Cathedral, Palace Theatre, the National Football Museum, and The Bridgewater Hall. Reservations can be made through their website or mobile app (radicalstorage.com)
- Left Luggage at Manchester Piccadilly Station - The Left Luggage facility at Manchester Piccadilly Station is located between Platforms 10 and 11, adjacent to the escalator leading to Platforms 13 and 14. Operating hours are Monday to Saturday from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and Sundays from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM. (left-baggage.co.uk)
- Stasher - Collaborating with local businesses to offer affordable luggage storage solutions near major bus stations and other key locations in Manchester. This service is often more economical and highly reviewed compared to traditional storage options (stasher.com)
- CitySpareSpace - Partnering with trusted local businesses to provide convenient bag storage throughout Manchester, particularly near the Arndale Shopping Centre, Manchester Victoria Station, and Shudehill Coach Station. Their partner in the Northern Quarter is available seven days a week, with overnight storage options also offered (citysparespace.com)
Please note that none of the above services are officially affiliated with the adidas Manchester Marathon and all luggage is left at your own risk.