Travel warnings, road closures and advice issued ahead of Manchester Marathon
The Manchester Marathon covers over 26.2 miles of the city centre and surrounding areas, so it's worth knowing how you're going to get about this Sunday.
With the Manchester Marathon returning to the city and surrounding areas this weekend, Transport for Greater Manchester have issued a fresh batch of warnings and travel guidance for those coming into town on Sunday.
As well all know, the Marathon isn’t only a city centre event, it stretches out to various Greater Manchester boroughs, and with more than 28,000 runners taking part — not to mention upwards of 42,000 spectators expected to turn up too — it’s going to be a busy 24 hours or so.
The 26.2-mile route starts at White City Circle near the Trafford Arch and stretches across the city centre, Old Trafford, Stretford, Sale, Timperley, Altrincham, Chorlton and Hulme. The event really does take over the region.
With that in mind, there are set to be numerous road closures for prolonged periods throughout the day, as well impact on public transport, so it’s good to be prepared. Here’s what to expect.
As TfGM have reiterated, the transport network in central Manchester and Trafford will be very busy before, during and after the race.
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Furthermore, people are being advised to leave cars at home to avoid inevitable congestion on surrounding roads, or to at least use Greater Manchester’s park-and-ride services available at various Metrolink stations and travel to their destinations using the tram.
However, it goes without saying that the services will be extremely busy throughout the day, so, if you can travel flexibly, the predicted quietest time to travel is after 4pm.
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Metrolink have confirmed that they will be operating the Altrincham line every six minutes, with more double trams and increased capacity across the network where possible. You can see a full list of stops below:
Lucky for you, once you’ve tapped on and tapped off, most fan corners, cheer zones and regular spots for supporters to gather together should only be a short walk away from your chosen tram stop.
Now, as for buses, many local services will be running along diverted routes throughout the day and even those not directly impacted by the marathon’s road closures could still be affected by displaced traffic, so it’s worth double-checking your usual number and any adjusted stops on race day.
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The last road closure is expected to be re-opened at 8pm through Chorlton and Old Trafford towards the end of the course, although a portion of Talbot Road will be closed all weekend and won’t re-open until midnight on Sunday.
Thankfully, the wonderful organisers have you covered; you can see the full list of closures HERE and they have even put together an interactive map for you to check what roads are shut and when:
Sean Dyball, TfGM’s Head of Customer Experience, said: “We are looking forward to helping thousands of runners and spectators to get to the Manchester Marathon this weekend, and we’re wishing runners the best of luck for Sunday.”
Last but not least, for plenty more useful travel advice for competitors, spectators and everyone else alike arriving in the area this weekend, just simply check out the TfGM website.
Other than that, all that’s left to do is wish the runners all the best of luck for the 2023 Manchester Marathon and we hope that everyone turning up to cheer them on has a wonderful day and gets from A to B with as little hassle as possible.
Featured Image — Manchester Marathon/David Dixon (via Geograph)
News
London attraction The Curling Club is now expanding into Manchester
Thomas Melia
Well-reviewed winter attraction The Curling Club, which has already made a name for itself in London, is now making its way to Manchester.
Set to open in Manchester’s world-class skyscraper district, New Jackson, The Curling Club is keeping its stay short and sweet, with a three-month residency here in the city centre.
Curling Club will signal in the mid-winter season as it runs from late November right through until the end of February, giving you a lengthy period of time to sweep ’til your heart’s content.
This sports-themed pop-up opened in the capital last year, offering guests a wintery escape packed with food and drink choices, accommodating up to 600 people at a time, right next to The Shard.
The Curling Club is set to open in Manchester this November until February.Imagine a pint or two in this curling haven in Manchester this year.Credit: Justin De Souza
Now, Manchester’s latest activity bar destination is bringing its charm and competitiveness to Manchester for the first time ever, hoping to emulate the success of its capital predecessor while encouraging people to pick up the sport.
Just like the original London location, their Manc site will feature the iconic custom-built lanes and sustainably-made granite stones, which are set to improve your precision and control – fancy that.
We’re sure will still somehow manage to be the worst players in the room at any given time.
If that wasn’t enough curling expertise for you, there will also be on-site coaches helping guests perfect their technique and providing some top-notch advice.
There will even be an exclusive appearance from Olympic gold medallist Eve Muirhead and Team GB’s ‘Chef de Mission’, Mark England, who will be hosting select events across the two cities.
Manchester can expect a similar curling set-up this year.The glitter-ball dancers ready and waiting for this wintertime.Credit: Justin De Souza
New Jackson will be the ultimate backdrop for this innovative winter experience as the venue will be curating seasonal cocktails as well as being home to live DJS, glitter-ball dancers and some seriously good food.
You had us at booze and scran.
Keep this seasonal site in mind as they’re already marking themselves as a destination for work parties, events, group outings and Christmas party celebrations.
Trevor Bowers, Chairman of The Curling Club, said of the impending opening: “With this expansion and other plans, we’re accelerating our national rollout – all while staying focused on delivering exceptional, high-quality experiences for both guests and corporate clients during the winter season.”
Nine arrested in multiple coordinated raids after ‘celebrating Hitler’s birthday’ in Oldham pub
Danny Jones
Nine arrests were made earlier this week after a group of suspected neo-Nazis were discovered celebrating Adolf Hitler’s birthday at a pub in Oldham last month.
Alarming stuff, to say the least.
The individuals in question were arrested following a series of coordinated morning raids across multiple areas of Greater Manchester, including Rochdale, Bolton, Trafford and Stockport.
Another man was taken into custody from an address in Southport, with those involved belonging to the North West arm of a far-right group known simply as ‘British Movement’.
Craft Union Pubs, who operate the establishment, said they were “absolutely appalled”. (Credit: Google Maps)
The pub in question was the Duke of Edinburgh in Royton, a town of around 21,000 people located in north Oldham; the owners, who were said to have been ‘tricked’ into allowing the celebrations, were shocked to learn the group were observing Hitler’s birthday.
Upon realising the true nature of the festivities after images were shared on social media, staff immediately reported the party to the local authorities and Greater Manchester Police (GMP) officers based in and around the borough were then made aware of the situation.
As seen online – including on British Movement Northern’s (BMN) own website – the pub were seen holding Nazi flags, SS bolts and the Iron Cross, even posting pictures eating a cake with swastika icing alongside captions which included the line, “the 136th birthday of Uncle A.”
Taking place on Wednesday morning, 7 May, several morning raids saw those present detained on suspicion of Section 18 Public Order Act offences, which relate to displaying written material which is threatening, abusive or insulting, intended to stir up racial hatred.
During the extensive operation, everything from imitation firearms to real weapons like swords and a crossbow, along with numerous other pieces of Nazi memorabilia were found. Police are still investigating the incident and searching the relevant premises in Oldham and beyond.
Beyond shocking. (Credit: BMN)
GMP have been quick to contact Counter Terrorism Policing North West (CTPNW) to advise on the materials and assess further risk; for instance, following the recovery of a suspected grenade at a property in Bolton, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) was deployed and the item declared safe.
Assistant Chief Constable Steph Parker said in an official statement: “Due to the nature of the materials we recovered at the warrants today, we have liaised with colleagues at CTPNW. This is a matter of course, and it very much remains a GMP-led investigation.
“It’s important that all avenues are explored to establish the extent of the criminal offences which have been committed, and whilst our investigation is still in its early stages, we do not believe there to be a risk to the wider public.
“This group clearly has a deep fascination with ideas that we know are unsettling for communities across Greater Manchester. We must take action when concerns are raised, and where weapons are suspected, to ensure people are free to live without fear of intimidation or harm.”
Naturally, GMP are encouraging people to stay vigilant and come forward with any further information or concerns they may have.
Danny Jones -
15th April 2023 
