As 2026 approaches, it’s time to look ahead to what comes next on your adidas Manchester Marathon journey. Whether you’re a first timer or seasoned participant, staying up to date on upcoming milestones will help you make the most of your training and enjoy a smooth experience leading up to the big day. Here’s a quick look at the timeline.

1. BOOK TRAVEL & ACCOMMODATION (ASAP)

 Book your travel and accommodation early to ensure a stress-free lead up to the big day. Stay close to the action with Hyatt Hotels Manchester, the Official Hotel Partner of the event. With over 42,000 runners set to take part, rooms will go fast – so secure your stay early with Hyatt which is just steps from the Oxford Road finish line.

Book now via our accommodation page to reserve your stay or explore other nearby options with the handy Stay22 search widget.

2. CHOOSE A CHARITY (DECEMBER)

December is a great time to choose a charity to support with your Marathon challenge. Our Official Charities this year are the Alzheimer’s Society, British Heart Foundation, Cancer Research UK, and The Christie Charity, along with our fantastic Associate Charities. Set up your fundraising page, pick a cause that matters to you, and show your support.

Every contribution helps. Share your page with friends and family — you could even ask for donations this festive season instead of gifts.

3. START TRAINING (NOVEMBER – JANUARY)

Depending on your current fitness levels and goals, you’ll want to start training for the event roughly 20-12 weeks out. Keep your eyes peeled for training news and support – coming soon!

4. CHECK / UPDATE YOUR DETAILS (FEBRUARY)

The deadline to update your details – including your address to post your event pack to and your expected finish time – is Monday 16^th February 2026.

We’ll send a reminder of this date via email, but you can log in to your participant dashboard to make updates at any time before this date.

5. GET YOUR GUIDES (MARCH – APRIL)

The Participant Guide, containing start times, travel information and more, will be made available to participants via website and email at the end of March. We will also share our Weekend Guide, filled with fun activities and local recommendations for participants and supporters, in April.
For those cheering on loved ones on the day, our dedicated Supporter Guide will also be made available in April.

6. RECEIVE YOUR EVENT PACK (APRIL)

For UK participants who have opted to receive their bib by post you can expect this to arrive before Friday 17th April.
If you have opted to collect your event pack, or you live outside of the UK, there will be further information available nearer the time.

7. ATTEND PACK COLLECTION* (APRIL)

For international participants, people who have opted to collect their packs and those needing a replacement, there will be a Pack Collection on the Friday and Saturday before the event.

• Pack Collection: April 17th and 18th 2026*

*Dates to be confirmed.

• Details of location to be shared: 19th March 2026

8. GET READY TO GO! (EVENT WEEKEND)

There will be various activities over event weekend from Friday 17th – Sunday 19th April. Keep your eyes peeled for further information. On Sunday 19th April, your challenge begins. Start times and waves (indicated by the colour on the bib you’ll receive) will be sent out closer to the time, so please be patient as you wait to receive this.

The key locations on event day are as follows:

• Start Location: Old Trafford

• Finish Location: The University of Manchester (Got a question about our stunning new finish line? Read the FAQs here). More information will be available in your Participant Guide, which will be made available at the end of March.

That’s all from us for now. Make sure to follow our social channels and check emails for upcoming training advice, inspiration and much more.