Travel warnings and road closures information issued ahead of Manchester Marathon 2024

Greater Manchester residents have been warned to ‘travel smart’ this weekend, with the huge Manchester Marathon 2024 taking place.

There’ll be plenty of road closures around the region to facilitate the event, which will see around 32,000 runners pounding the pavements throughout south Manchester.

Taking place on Sunday 14 April, the 26.2 mile race will also attract thousands of spectators.

Some road closures will be in place across the weekend, and people have been warned that roads and public transport will both be busier than normal.

TfGM is expecting the network in Manchester and Trafford to be very busy before, during and after the race.

Many bus services will be diverted and there may be displaced traffic and congestion.

TfGM has also said that the tram will be the best way to travel to the event, whether you’re one of the brave souls running or just going to cheer them on.

There’ll be a seven-and-a-half minute frequency of Metrolink services along the Altrincham line, with extra double trams to handle increased capacity.

The Manchester Marathon 2024 route will start below the Trafford Arch before heading into the city centre, then will pass through Sale, Altrincham, Timperley, Chorlton and Hulme, before reaching the finish line near the Emirates Old Trafford cricket ground.

Mancs have been asked to ‘travel smart’ and leave cars at home, using park and ride services to reach the route on trams.

There’s a dedicated travel page for the Manchester Marathon 2024, and the Bee Network app will also have live departures and travel alerts.

Fran Wilkinson, customer and growth director at TfGM, said: “The Manchester Marathon is always a fantastic occasion. We wish everyone taking part the best of luck and are looking forward to helping runners and spectators get to and from the event as smoothly as possible.

“It’s sure to be a busy day and we’d encourage anyone travelling on Sunday – whether their trip is for the marathon or other reasons – to please check our dedicated webpage for how your journey may be impacted by road closures, bus diversions and busy periods.

“To avoid congestion and for a more enjoyable trip, consider jumping on the tram and using a contactless payment for a fast and efficient way to travel. Park and Ride sites also provide a free place to park before completing your journey on the tram to the race.

“If you are coming as a spectator, why not avoid the busy start and finish points and cheer on your runner from one of the lovely places along the route – whether that’s Sale, Altrincham, Chorlton or somewhere else- and enjoy what south Manchester has to offer?

“All the areas along the route are served by tram stops and it’s more likely you’ll be able to get from A to B more easily.”

You can see the full list of road closures for the Manchester Marathon here.

The Manchester Marathon 2024 travel map, including road closures

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Featured image: The Manc Group