EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE 2026 ADIDAS MANCHESTER MARATHON

The adidas Manchester Marathon returns to the streets of Greater Manchester on Sunday 19 April 2026, welcoming more than 42,000 participants and 140,000 spectators for one of the UK’s biggest and most iconic running events.

Known for its fast, flat route and incredible Mancunian crowd support, the event is now the second-largest marathon in the UK and one of the biggest in Europe, attracting elite athletes, charity participants and first-time marathoners alike. The event once again places Greater Manchester at the centre of the UK running calendar, bringing communities together across the city’s streets.

Alongside significant economic spend set to boost the local economy over event weekend, Millions will also be raised for Official Charities: The Christie, Cancer Research UK, Alzheimer’s Society, and British Heart Foundation, alongside associate charities.

From start times and the event route to spectator hotspots and travel advice, here’s everything you need to know about the 2026 adidas Manchester Marathon.

KEY FACTS

  • Date: Sunday 19 April 2026
  • Distance: 26.2 miles (42.2km)
  • Location: Greater Manchester
  • Start area: Trafford Arch near Old Trafford – entry through E2 Car Park at Old Trafford (participants only)
  • Finish line: Oxford Road outside the University of Manchester
  • Participants: more than 42,000 runners expected

There will be a Manchester Marathon takeover of adidas Market Street, Manchester, where participants will be able to pick up exclusive adidas Manchester Marathon merchandise range, kit customisations, and tailored preparation advice from experts.

THE ROUTE

The 26.2-mile course winds through Greater Manchester, starting near Old Trafford and passing through neighbourhoods including Stretford, Sale, Altrincham and Chorlton, before returning to the city centre.

It finishes on Oxford Road outside the University of Manchester, where cheering crowds line the final stretch to welcome participants home. Known for its flat profile and long, straight sections, the route is ideal for fast times with nearly two-thirds of participants achieving a personal best in 2025.

At the finish, participants can access finisher medals and t-shirts, refreshments and recovery areas, medical support, and designated meeting points for friends and family.

The full route map can be found here, with further logistics on the Participant Hub here.

 

EVENT SCHEDULE

Event day begins in the morning, with elite waves kicking off the day from 08:55, followed by staggered waves of participants throughout the morning to ensure a smooth start and reduce congestion on the route.

Participants are advised to arrive at least 45 minutes early to allow time for bag drop, warm-up and entry into their assigned start wave.

GETTING TO THE START

Public transport is strongly recommended on event day. The start area near Old Trafford is easily accessible via Metrolink tram services, with nearby stops including:

  • Trafford Bar
  • Exchange Quay
  • Pomona

All stops are within a short walk of the start area.

Participants are advised to visit the Bee Network website and follow @MCRMetrolink and @OfficialTfGM for updates on the day.

 

ROAD CLOSURES AND TRANSPORT IMPACTS

Road closures will be in place across Greater Manchester throughout the morning and early afternoon as the marathon route winds through the city and surrounding boroughs.

Areas along the route will experience temporary road closures and diversions, particularly around:

  • Old Trafford
  • Stretford
  • Sale
  • Altrincham
  • Chorlton
  • Manchester city centre

Local authorities advise residents and visitors to plan journeys in advance and allow additional travel time.

LIVE PARTICIPANT  TRACKING

Over 140,000 supporters are expected to line the streets of Greater Manchester, creating the electric atmosphere the event is known for.

Live coverage of the elite races will be available on our live stream 

Friends and family are encouraged to plan their day using the Supporter Hub, which contains interactive maps and top supporter locations. There is also a downloadable Supporter and Weekend Guide with family-friendly activities, events and food recommendations. 

 

SPECTATOR HOTSPOTS

The adidas Manchester Marathon is famous for its electric atmosphere, with thousands of spectators lining the streets to support participants.

Popular viewing locations include:

  • Deansgate/ Supporter Send off
    One mile into the route, packed with cheering spectators, live music and entertainment.
  • Sale and Altrincham sections
     Lively community crowds and music zones.
  • Chorlton and Stretford
     Packed local support with cafés and pubs nearby.
  • Oxford Road Finish Line
     The most emotional moment of the race as runners complete their marathon.

TOP TIPS FOR SPECTATORS

If you’re planning to watch the event, organisers recommend:

  • Arrive early,  for better visibility head to a spot along the route.
  • Consider watching at multiple points along the route using Metrolink
  • Plan your journey in advance due to road closures
  • Arrange meeting points away from the finish area if supporting participants

ASSEMBLY AND BAG DROP

Participants will gather in the participants-only Start Access Area near Old Trafford, where facilities include toilets, hydration points and warm-up areas.

A bag drop service will be available at the start area for participants to leave belongings to be transported to the finish line. Participants must use the official bag provided in their event pack which they will receive ahead of the marathon day which should be left at the bag drop on the day.

The latest bag drop and pick-up information and FAQs can be found here.

PACERS

Each start wave will contain adidas pacers who can be identified by a flag on their back showing a specific target time. Pacers are assigned a wide range of times, from 2:45 to 6:00 hours, across the whole event. More information on pacers can be found here. 

TOILETS, WATER AND NUTRITION

There are eight water stations along the route, all of which have toilets available for participants to use. 

Water stations and  High5 Energy Gel  locations can be found in the table below and on the Route Page. The gels are a supplement to participant’s own nutrition, which they are advised to plan in advance of event day.

JOIN THE CELEBRATION

Whether you’re taking part, cheering or volunteering, the adidas Manchester Marathon is one of the city’s biggest annual sporting events, showcasing Manchester’s community spirit and passion for sport.

 

For media enquiries, please contact: pressoffice@wearejam.agency