The ASICS Manchester Marathon has announced that part of the route for the 2020 event, taking place on Sunday 5^th April 2020, will for the first-time head into the centre of Manchester.

Now the 2^nd largest in the UK, the ASICS Manchester Marathon is hugely popular thanks to its flat course, which offers fast times, and the unrivalled Mancunian atmosphere. It has become a destination for keen runners from all over the country who are looking to nail a new personal best time, and many first timers find its supportive and unintimidating atmosphere the perfect place to achieve a life goal.

The amended route takes a three-mile loop into the city centre, showcasing some of the city’s most iconic landmarks including the Manchester Opera House, Spinningfields, Albert Memorial Hall and The Midland Hotel amongst many others. Roads will be completely closed, allowing an estimated 25,000 people to take part, and thousands more to gather in the city centre to watch.

The start will remain in its present location under the White City Arch, with the world-famous backdrop of Manchester United’s Old Trafford stadium, and continue to offer its popular finish running past Trafford Town Hall and Lancashire Cricket Club.

This year’s event on Sunday 7^th April will see 20,000 runners take on the present course, a 50% increase on 2018. 75% of visitors are from outside the north-west of England, with the event weekend offering a huge boost to the local economy. Last year’s figure of a £6.8 million boost to Trafford and the City of Manchester is expected to be easily eclipsed thanks to the continued growth in stature of the ASICS Manchester Marathon.

The local support from communities is outstanding and defines the marathon as the friendliest in the UK, with over 1,000 volunteers giving up their time to help deliver the event.

Nick Rusling, CEO of the ASICS Manchester Marathon, said: “This event’s success is completely down to the people of Greater Manchester, they know this event belongs to them, and we’d like to thank them for helping make so many runners dreams come true. Many thought they might never run a marathon, or are running in memory of a loved one, with the incredible support they offer regularly being praised as the best in the world”

On the new route he continued “We are all very excited to be heading into the centre of the city for the first time, and with this now being one of the largest marathons in Europe, it seems apt that we show off more areas of this remarkable city to our visitors and those watching at home.”

For more information about the ASICS Manchester Marathon and details on how to secure your place for 2020 please visit our dedicated page