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Emily Sergeant -
12th March 2020
Emily Sergeant -
12th March 2020 What's On
Manchester Marathon 2026 guide – waves, start times, route map and much more
Danny Jones
It’s nearly that time again: the adidas Manchester Marathon has come back around for 2026, so it’s about time we gave you a helpful guide on everything you need to know.
Doesn’t matter whether you’re running it or are simply set to be one of the countless people expected to line the streets in support of the annual event; there are plenty of important details that can help make it as stress-free as possible.
Well, there are obviously going to be plenty of nerves out on the tarmac, but we already know you’re going to smash it.
So, without further ado, let’s get stuck in…
The great big Manchester Marathon guide – all the key info
We can start off by letting you know that, no, there aren’t any places left to join this year’s Manchester Marathon, but as always, it’s worth keeping an eye out on social media for any last-minute bibs going.
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There’s always a fair few drop-outs in the last few weeks leading up to a big race, and while we hope it’s not happened to you or anyone you know, do let people know down in the comments if you know of any spares so we can field out the field as much as possible.
Waves and start times for the 2026 MCR Marathon
Where else to begin than with the start times themselves? If you’re joining the pack this year, you should have long received your race pack by now – if not, you can collect yours/try to sort a back-up bib at the adidas store on Market Street – and therefore should already know when you’re getting going.
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However, even if you’re just watching, it can be helpful to know the exact minute that your friends and loved ones’ waves are starting. Here’s a full breakdown:
If you’re wondering how best to track those taking part, as well as sharing names and numbers on race bibs for predictive tracking, we would always recommend turning on the ‘Find My’ app on Apple devices and/or your phone’s equivalent.
We would also suggest sharing your location on WhatsApp, which can be set for several hours and beyond, which is usually pretty accurate.
Manchester Marathon route and event map
As for this year’s marathon route, 2026 marks just the second year that the sell-out Manc run will see its final stretch along the Oxford Road Corridor, with the finish line hosted just outside The University of Manchester’s historic Whitworth Hall.
Complete with a series of adidas-branded hoardings tilted at an angle for those cheering from the sidelines to slam and spur finishers along those last few yards.
Once again, the course will take participants from beneath the Trafford City Arch near White City retail park, down Bridgewater Way, then Chester Road, before heading towards Castlefield and Deansgate, on to Stretford, Sale, Timperley, Altrincham, and then out of Trafford in the direction of Baguley.
Eventually, you’ll make your way back to central Manchester, passing through Chorlton, Whalley Range, Hulme and eventually to the home straight on Oxford Rd for a grandstand finish.
You can see a detailed version of the Manchester Marathon right HERE and/or watch a full virtual tour of the 2026 route down below.
Toilets, water and fuelling stations
Now, next up on the list of crucial locations is, obviously, the issue of toilets, as well as water and refuelling stations.
You’ll be glad to know that there will be places to go for your pre-race pees and poos, both in the first pan and in a secondary section just after you begin the starting process and head towards the retail park and Trafford Arch.
From there, runners will be able to use the toilet (fingers crossed you won’t need one) whenever they come across a water station, and in addition to the eight or nine points along the course, you can refuel energy and nutrition-wise with High5 Orange Aqua Gels.
Here’s a quick rundown of where you’ll find them:
Manc Marathon road closures
Next up, it goes without saying that such a big event is not just city centre-wide, but one spread across multiple Greater Manchester boroughs, doesn’t go ahead every single year (not to mention bigger and better each time) without some major logistical planning.
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Especially when it comes to infrastructure.
Luckily for you, we’ve got a whole separate article for that, which you can read down below; you can also use this interactive live map of all the roads that will be closed when and for how long.
The adidas Manchester Marathon returns to the streets of Greater Manchester this weekend, and the full list of road closures set to be in place has now been announced. 🏃♂️🏅
— The Manc (@TheMancUK) April 13, 2026
Here's everything you need to know👇https://t.co/YFqAWVSkhT
Bag drop and collection points for the Manchester Marathon
The bag drop is situated near the front of Manchester United’s famous home ground, where you’ll also find the official starting area within the E2 car park.
If you plan to use this service (small sports bag or rucksack only), the organisers recommend arriving at least 45 minutes before you are due to access the start line.
Bags will then be collected and loaded into lorries corresponding to your wave colour, which will then transport them to the finish line, where they can be collected with proof. If you’re still unsure about anything, here’s a full explanation.
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Fan zones, cheers squads and popular spectator spots
As for this year’s dedicated Manchester Marathon fan zones and cheer points, you’ll find popular spectator hotspots, including the Deansgate-Castlefield Interchange, the Chester Road roundabout and strip leading up past Stretford Mall and a main section of Chorlton’s high street, just to name a few.
Thankfully, you can find lots more tips on where to cheer on your friends and family via the online Supporter Hub, including help when it comes to tracking them.
In addition to the multiple signposted junctures and atmosphere hubs, with more live music and festivities from artists, charities and local organisations than ever, last year’s Manchester Marathon official Event Village at Circle Square has also seen a big upgrade. Find out more below.
Key travel advice
As always, Transport for Greater Manchester is advising everyone making their way to the event this year to use public services wherever possible.
In terms of using the Metrolink trams, Old Trafford tram station is just 10 minutes from the start line, while Trafford Bar, Wharfside, Imperial War Museum and Exchange Quay are your next best options and still only a reasonable walk away.
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One could even say they’re the perfect distance away to go through your full warm-up routine and pre-race checks; you can also check out a full interactive map of the relevant tram lines:
As for this year’s dedicated Manchester Marathon fan zones and cheer points, you’ll find popular spectator hotspots, including the Deansgate Interchange, the Chester Road strip leading up past Stretford Mall and a main section of Chorlton’s high street, just to name a few. Thankfully, you can find lots more tips on where to cheer on your friends and family via the online Supporter Hub , including help when it comes to tracking them. In addition to the multiple signposted junctures and atmosphere hubs seen in the virtual route tour above, with more live music and festivities from artists, charities and local organisations than ever, the 2025 equivalent of previous years’ event village comes in the form of an all-new fan zone on Oxford Rd.Finally, if you were looking to use the bus this weekend, you can see the full list of bus diversions HERE.
Last but not least, there’s nothing else left for us to say other than good luck to everyone taking part, and whatever reason you’re running the 2026 Manchester Marathon, go and SMASH it!
We’re with you every step of that very long way.
Read more:
- Hordes of runners dressed as poos jog through Manchester for bowel cancer awareness
- First wave of lineup for ‘Evening4Ricky’ Hatton memorial event at AO Arena confirmed
- The Swinton Ladies Race five-mile trail run returns for 2026
For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.
Featured Images — Publicity pictures (supplied via Manchester Marathon)
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Full list of road closures set to be in place for Manchester Marathon 2026 this weekend
Emily Sergeant
The adidas Manchester Marathon returns to the streets of Greater Manchester this weekend.
Known for its flat route and incredible Mancunian crowd support, the Manchester Marathon returns this Sunday (19 April 2026) – welcoming more than 42,000 participants and 140,000 spectators for one of the UK’s biggest running events.
Now the second-largest marathon in the UK and one of the biggest in Europe, Manchester Marathon attracts both elite athletes, charity participants, and first-time marathoners alike.
The event is, once again, set to place Greater Manchester at the centre of the UK running calendar, bringing communities together across the city’s streets.
Millions of vital funds will also be raised for official charities, like The Christie, Cancer Research UK, Alzheimer’s Society, and British Heart Foundation, alongside other associate charities.
And, of course, in order for the event to take place as smoothly and safely as possible, Manchester City Council has announced that a number of road closures and other measures will be put in place across the weekend.
Here’s everything you need to know.
The adidas Manchester Marathon returns on Sunday 19 April!
— Manchester City Council (@ManCityCouncil) April 11, 2026
Road closures will be in effect in parts of Manchester as thousands of runners raise millions for charity, visit https://t.co/mfxYlLe1z5 for full details about road closures. pic.twitter.com/UjS0vtsO4n
Manchester Marathon 2026 – Road Closures
6am on Saturday 18 April – 4am on Monday 20 April:
- Oxford Road – from Grosvenor Street to Hulme Street
- Rosamond Street West – from Oxford Road to Jenkinson Street
- Booth Street West – from Higher Cambridge Street to Oxford Road
- Booth Street East – from Oxford Road to Rumford Street
- Dover Street – from Oxford Road to Brighton Place
- Ackers Street – from Oxford Road to Portsmouth Street
- Chester Street – from Oxford Road to Chester Street car park entrance
- Newman Street – from Oxford Road to Loverose Way
- Sidney Street – from Oxford Road to Grosvenor Street
- Grosvenor Street – from Oxford Road to Upper Brook Street
- Cavendish Street – from Oxford Road to Lower Ormond Street
- York Street – from Grosvenor Street to end of street
Sunday 19 April
From 4:30am to 11:59pm
- Oxford Road – from Whitworth St West to Hulme Street
- Wakefield Street – from James Leigh Street to Oxford Road
- New Wakefield Street – from Great Marlborough Street to Oxford Road
- Hulme Street – from Great Marlborough Street to Oxford Road
- Charles Street – from Oxford Road to York Street
- Chester Street – from Chester Street car park entrance to Cambridge Street
- Rosamond Street West – from Boundary Lane to Higher Cambridge Street
From 4:30am to 7pm
- Newman Street – from Loverose Way to Princess Street
- Higher Ormond Street – from Lower Ormond Street to Boundary Street West
- Lower Chatham Street – from Lower Chatham Street to Boundary Street West
- Boundary Street West – from Higher Cambridge Street to Higher Ormond Street
- Rosamond Street West – from Higher Cambridge Street to Jenkinson Street
- Higher Cambridge Street – from Cavendish Street to Lloyd Street North
- Burlington Street – from Pencroft Way to Higher Cambridge Street
- Lloyd Street North – from Higher Cambridge Street to Monton Street
- Denmark Road – from Pencroft Way to Aberdeen Street
- Cecil Street – from Denmark Road to Dilworth Street
- Acomb Street – from Denmark Road to Dilworth Street
- Sanctury Close – from Acomb Street to end of close
- Burleigh Street – from Denmark Road to end of street
- Aberdeen Street – from Denmark Road to end of street
From 4:30am to 8pm
- Oxford Road – from Grafton Street to Hathersage Road
- Grafton Street – from Oxford Road to Nelson Street Hospital Entrance
- Nelson Street – from Oxford Road to Hospital Access Road
- Denmark Road – from Aberdeen Street to Oxford Road
From 7:30am to 1pm
- Chester Road – from Chester Road to Deansgate Interchange
- Chester Road – from Deansgate Interchange to Bridgewater Viaduct
- Great Jackson Street – from Chester Road to Silvercroft Street
- Bridgewater Viaduct – from Chester Road to Whitworth Street West
- Deansgate – from Chester Road to Owen Street
- Westbound off slip – from A57(M) to Deansgate Interchange
- Eastbound off slip – from A57(M) to Deansgate Interchange
- Chorlton Road – from Deansgate Interchange to Stretford Road
- Jackson Crescent – from Chorlton Road to Barrhill Close
- Royce Road – from Shawgreen Close to Elisa Street
- Lower Moss Lane – from Chester Road to Bramfield Walk
- Barrack Street – from Chester Road to Tatton Street
- Hulme Hall Road – from Chester Road to Ellesmere Street
- Manson Avenue – from Chester Road to Malt Street
- Malt Street – from Chester Road to Manson Avenue
- Princess Street – from Bridgewater Way to Nancey Street
- Ellesmere Street – from Chester Road to Hulme Hall Road
- Trentham Street – from Chester Road to Dinton Street
- Cornbrook Road – from Chester Road to Dinton Street
From 7:30am to 2pm
- Stretford Road – from Chorlton Road to Talbot Road
From 8:30am to 6:30pm
- Edge Lane – from Kings Road to Wilbraham Road
- Edge Lane – from Wilbraham Road to Kingshill Road
- Ryebank Road – from Daresbury Road to Edge Lane
- Hampton Road – from Daresbury Road to Edge Lane
- Wilbraham Road – from Edge Lane to Albany Road
- Whitelow Road – from York Road to Wilbraham Road
- Manchester Road – from Nicolas Road to Wilbraham Road
- Brundretts Road – from Groby Road to Wilbraham Road
From 9am to 6:30pm
- Barlow Moor Road – from Groby Road to Manchester Road
- Nicolas Road – from Manchester Road to Manchester Road
- Manchester Road – from Barlow Moor Road to Seymour Grove
- Longford Road – from Oswald Road to Manchester Road
- Brantingham Road – from Keppel Road to Manchester Road
- Kensington Road – from Oswald Road to Manchester Road
- Railway Terrace and Buckingham Road – from Clarendon Road West to Manchester Road
- Stratton Road – from Strathmore Avenue to Manchester Road
- Upper Chorlton Road – from Seymour Grove to Chorlton Road
- Sylvan Road – from Upper Chorlton Road to Whalley Road
From 9am to 7pm
- Chorlton Road – from Upper Chorlton Road to Stretford Road
- Stretford Road – from Chorlton Road to Cavendish Street
- Bonsall Street – from Bus Gate to Stretford Road
- Slip Road (Southbound off slip) – from Princess Road to Stretford Road
- Epping Street – from gates to Oxford Court (allowing access) to Stretford Road
- Cavendish Street – from Stretford Road to Cambridge Street
- Boundary Lane – from Stretford Road to Bronte Street
- Burlington Street – from Boundary Lane to Pencroft Way
From 10am to 5:30pm
- Oswald Road – from Kensington Road to Wilbraham Road
There will also be a number of one-way traffic restrictions in place, even including on the M60 Junction 7, Chester Road (clockwise and anti clockwise slip roads closed) from 6.30am to 7.30pm on the Sunday (19 April).
Parking restrictions will also place.
For more information about all the road closures, traffic and parking suspensions for the weekend can be found on the Manchester City Council website here.
Featured Image – Supplied
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