If you have a loved one taking part this year and want to know how best to support them and the event, then check out the information below. Whether you’re watching from home or will be joining us on the day we’ve got you covered.

Use this page to plan your day and make the most of the electric atmosphere in Greater Manchester. Find out about the best places to watch participants; get spectating tips and advice; and use our interactive walking maps to plan your day and see what each area on the route has to offer.
To make sure you have the best experience cheering on our 42,000 incredible participants, remember to head straight out along the route at the start of the day. We don’t recommend going to the start line as there are so many better places to see your participant out on the route.
Supporters looking to capture their loved one's finish line moment can register for a free SMS text alert when their participant is 2 miles out from the finish line. Visit our webpage here to sign up.
We’re delighted to confirm that spectators will be able to get the estimated current locations, of all our runners on Sunday 19th April at the adidas Manchester Marathon.
How does this work?
Our timing points on the course will be placed at five locations (start, 10k, halfway, 30k and finish), and as a runner crosses this point their time will be instantly updated on the tracker. Between these points, the tracker will show a predicted location for each runner, based on their speed so far.
This should offer an excellent rough guide for when to look out for a friend or loved one on the course, or follow their progress at home.
Predicted tracking will be available from the button below in due course.

We have created a handy article about other methods you can use to track their progress and be there with them every step of the way which includes tips on how to use:
- 'Find My' App on Apple Devices
- Share Location on WhatsApp
- Strava Beacon Feature
We hope these options are helpful and allow you to experience the event more closely with your participant on the big day. Although we discourage spectators at the finish line due to crowds, a finish line live streaming is available to watch through the website and our Manchester Marathon YouTube channel.
*Please be advised that spectator space around the finish line is very congested. We recommend you support at the suggested locations in the section below.
The finish area on Oxford Road will be very busy, so we highly recommend you meet your participant away from this area, perhaps somewhere where you can celebrate with a meal such as the City Centre, Chorlton or further South on Oxford Road itself.
1. City Centre
Manchester city centre has an abundance of great cafes, restaurants and bars that are perfect for a post marathon meet up. Whether you're just looking for a post run meal or want to really celebrate, look no further than Manchester's city centre.
2. Deansgate
The home of a host of great restaurants, bars and cafes, you’ll be sure to find a spot that suits your plans.
3. Finisher Line Viewing and Meet & Greet Area
Although this area will be busy, we have created a handy map below to find your way to the finish line viewing areas (East and West side) – the map can be opened in the Google Maps app for step-by-step walking directions.
The map also shows the Finisher Meet & Greet area, where you’ll find eight coloured flags (Pink, Blue, Green, Grey, Black, Orange, Red & Purple) - simply pick a flag to meet your finisher at after the event.
Ahead of a busy event weekend, please view all activations and further activities taking place across Greater Manchester and within the city here.
