Our 2026 marathon route will take more than 42,000 participants on an unforgettable journey through the electric streets of Greater Manchester, with incredible crowds cheering them on all the way to our iconic finish on Oxford Road, outside The University of Manchester.

This page is your go-to for all route information, including drinks Stations and activity points.

See our PDF version here.

SUPPORTER SEND OFF WITH ADIDAS

Access to the start line for supporters is limited, so if you’re spectating and hoping to spot your participant early on, we recommend heading straight to our Supporter Send Off, around one mile into the route.

We’ll be taking over Deansgate Interchange with a big screen, crowds of supporters, and an adidas DJ truck playing music and sharing supporter messages. It’s set to be a brilliant atmosphere, giving participants a real boost as they head out onto their 26.2 mile challenge.

Check out all our recommended supporter locations in the Supporter Hub below.

OFFICIAL CHARITY CHEER POINTS

Expect to find your rhythm with the Alzheimer’s Society Musical Movers at Miles 1.5 & 24, dig deep at the British Heart Foundation Motivation Station at Miles 6 & 21, have cheers from the top deck of the Cancer Research UK Cheer Bus at Miles 7.3 & 19.8 and let those beats carry you through the halfway point with The Christie Charity Steel Drum Band at Miles 12 & 13.5.

RUNNA CHEER ZONE - MILE 18

You’ll hear the Runna Cheer at Mile 18 – a DJ truck, loud supporters and the Runna community bringing the energy to push you to the finish.

JET2 RUNWAY - MILE 22

The Jet2 Runway brings the holiday vibes with cheer squads, Mediterranean beats, a juice bar, giveaways and sunshine atmosphere. Complete the official Strava segment to bag a Jet2 holiday voucher. Nothing beats running a marathon. Nothing beats Jet2. Find our more here.

SUPPORTER SEND WITH ADIDAS

adidas will be there at Deansgate Interchange at Mile 1 to make sure You Got This. Featuring adidas Tune Trucker & supporter messages to send you off on your adidas Manchester Marathon.

Along the adidas Manchester Marathon route, there are Drinks Stations provided to keep you hydrated with water, and selected stations also have HIGH5 Orange Aqua Gels for an energy boost on the go. Please plan ahead and bring additional hydration and nutrition based on your needs. Gels on course will supplement your own. Remember it’s best to bring and use what you have been training with.