The Manchester Marathon and Half Marathon returns on Sunday 10 October.
The 26.2-mile race is the second most popular in the UK and will see approximately 40,000 runners run through the streets of Greater Manchester this weekend.
The marathon and half marathon usually raise over £3 million for charity combined.
Live coverage of the race will start at 7am, the Wheelchair Elites will start at 10.20am, and the Elites will start at 10.25am.
The Manchester Marathon will start between 10.30am – 12.30am, with this staggered arrival aiming to help avoid crowding due to COVID-19 measures, and all runners will be emailed with a time to arrive at the start line.
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Here’s everything you need to know.
The Manchester Marathon and Half Marathon returns on Sunday 10 October / Credit: Manchester Marathon
What is the race route?
The marathon features a new and improved course this year.
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The start and finish lines are close to Old Trafford stadium near Old Trafford tram stop under the distinctive Trafford arch. The route will continue through Hulme and then a three-mile loop through the city centre before entering Sale which will be a musical stretch as the Salvation Army Band will play.
The route then takes runners through Altrincham Town Centre before going back to Old Trafford.
Water, toilets, and first-aid stations will be available along the way.
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Road Closures
There will be various road closures in Greater Manchester and Cheshire during the marathon.
The Manchester Marathon website has an interactive map here which shows the road closures which you can see here.
Will COVID-19 affect the marathon?
There will be some measures put in place this year. Spectators will not be allowed at the start, finish or Athlete’s village.
Hand sanitising stations will be available, and runners will not be required to wear a mask.
How to get there?
There is due to be a tram driver strike on Sunday too, which could cause severe disruption to runners and spectators getting there.
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The tram operators are aiming to run a limited service on Sunday subject to driver availability, meaning trams will be busier than normal with race participants will be prioritised, and 22 shuttle buses are being put on from Piccadilly Gardens, and Peel Park and Ride at Event City.
Runners and spectators are advised to check and plan their journey in advance as roads, and services will be busier and delays are expected, particularly in Trafford and the city centre.
What to bring
Taking part in the marathon this weekend? Here’s everything you need to bring.
Your race pack and race number, which should have been sent to you prior to Sunday – you will not be able to collect this on the day.
Spare kit and something waterproof.
A pre-booked parking ticket, or tram pass is advised.
Featured Image – Manchester Marathon
News
A Christmas train in Wigan has been delivering donated toys galore
Thomas Melia
Yuletide wishes have come true as a donation of toys and goodies have been delivered via a Christmas train in Wigan, right in time for the big day.
The Amazon toy train, which is a new initiative running this festive season, is dropping off presents from now right up until Christmas day itself.
Already visiting Wigan earlier this month, the locomotive has its sites set on three more stops including London, Swansea and Scotland as it makes its journey across three nations.
In partnership with Multibank’s Brick-by-Brick project, the train hopes to provide and offer gifts to families in need across the UK with Wigan marking the closest stop off in Greater Manchester.
Credit: Lee Boswell (supplied)
All the toys that are being transported across the country in this Amazon-fronted train are featured on the company’s ‘Top Ten Toys 2024’ list.
Hatchimals, Screamerz and Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza were some of the exciting gifts found on the Christmas train in Wigan at the start of this month.
This lighthearted and fun-filled Christmas-themed project is kitted out with toys from top brands like Play-Doh and the brickmasters themselves, LEGO Star Wars.
So far, Multibank has helped over 400,000 families and provided three million essential items across their operations in England, Scotland and Wales since launching in 2022.
This collaborative local project doesn’t just operate at Christmastime either: Brick-to-Brick Multibank run all year round collecting surplus business requirements like furniture, hot water bottles and hygiene products to be used by those less fortunate.
The Christmas train in Wigan filled with Amazon’s top toys.The Wigan toy train features some well known brands.Credit: Supplied
This roster of children’s favourite companions and interactive games is inspired by the consumers themselves. Every toy is related to or the exact match of what Amazon customers have been searching for the most. A real Christmas list come true.
The list of the top toys isn’t extortionate either, offering customers some affordable and still as fascinating options with prices starting from £9.99.
Even old-school classics like Play-Doh have a spot on this wish list. This poses the really big question: where’s the adult version?
You may have finished your Christmas shopping not too long ago or might still be looking for inspiration, browse the top-ranked teddies and more HERE.
Floral tributes laid for Baby A after remains found in Salford, as police hunt ‘answers’
Daisy Jackson
Floral tributes have begun to pile up outside the Salford park where the remains of a baby were found earlier this week.
The child, who is being called Baby A, was discovered near Ashtons Field on Wednesday 20 November.
Their identity is not yet known, and police are trying to determine ‘who this baby could be, how long they have been here, and how they have sadly died’.
In an update shared last night, GMP said their investigation was continuing and the force will do ‘everything we can to get answers’.
They also shared images of cuddly toys, flowers and letters that have been left at the snowy scene by officers and by the local community.
In the latest update, GMP said: “Our investigation continues after the remains of a young baby were tragically found in Little Hulton yesterday.
“The thoughts of everyone at Greater Manchester Police are with Baby A, and we will do everything we can to get answers.
“We would like to thank the community for their tributes to Baby A and their support and compassion at this time. We are truly grateful.”
Floral tributes laid for Baby A after remains found in Salford. Credit: GMP
GMP are appealing for anyone with any information to come forward so they can ‘find answers for this baby’.
Chief Superintendent Neil Blackwood said: “Even the most minor detail could be crucial to our investigation. If you have seen anyone in the area over the last few days, or know who the parents could be, please call us as soon as you can.
“As soon as we are in a position to confirm further details about the circumstances, we will do so.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting log 1319 of 20/11/24. If you would prefer to remain anonymous, call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Alice Gerrard -
8th October 2021 
