Manchester Half 2025 start time, route map, road closures, race tips and more

More than 26,000 people will be on the start line on Sunday to tackle the 13.1 miles of the Manchester Half. Love Island and Coronation Street stars will be among the participants ready to take on the challenge - the largest half marathon in the North West.

A third of those taking part will be attempting the conquer the distance for the first time, with the event expected to raise £1.5million for charities.

One of those is Bec Horrocks from Bury, who is running for Alzheimer’s Society, following the passing of her friend last February who was tragically hit by a car while training for a race.

A record 50 per cent of the participants are female, with Annabel Clancy and Shauna Marsh raising funds for Cancer Research UK and St Ann’s Hospice respectively. Here is all you need to know ahead of the annual event.

READ MORE: Half marathon tips: 10 things you need to do to smash your big race

READ MORE: 'I ran a half marathon - here's what I wish I knew and learned along the way'

When is the Manchester Marathon and what time does it start?

The Manchester Half takes place on Sunday, October 12. The race starts at 9am with the elites, then waves every 10 minutes, with the final participants expected to get underway at 10.48am.

What is the route?

The route starts in Trafford before participants head towards the city before looping back, passing through Stretford, Sale, Chorlton-cum-Hardy and the finish line on Talbot Road.

Additional route information, including a useful interactive map can be found here.

Road closures

Road closures will be in effect along and around the half marathon route starting from Saturday, October 11. Those affected should allow extra time for journeys as open roads in the surrounding areas will be busy. Many bus services will also be diverted due to these closures.

Full details of road closures can be found here.

Race tips

Puma athlete Jack Rowe set a course record in 01:02:12 as he romped to victory in last year's race. He has shared his top tips ahead of the event.

He said: "The biggest mistake people make is trying to run the full event distance in training. If you’ve comfortably done 9–10 miles, that’s enough. Race day brings adrenaline, fresh legs, and crowd energy. Overdoing it in training can leave you flat when it counts.

"Don’t try anything new on event day: this isn’t the time to experiment. My advice is to do a full ‘dry run’ of race morning during a training run a few weeks before: wake up early, eat the same breakfast and wear the shoes you’ll take part in. That way, when event day comes, it all feels familiar."

How to enter

Those who have been inspired to take part next year can register to access 2026 entries on Monday, October 13 at 10am, with public entries opening the following day at noon. Sign up for priority access here.