We’re now just six weeks out from the 2023 Great Manchester Run and while tens of thousands have already signed up, countless more are set to join in for the event’s 20th anniversary.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re an experienced runner or a complete newbie, the Great Manchester Run is a wonderful staple in the city centre’s annual calendar, with enormous crowds gathering every year to cheer on those taking part. It really is one of those days you don’t want to miss out on.
Luckily, there’s still plenty of time to sign up and for anyone on the fence, we want to make sure you have everything you need to not only persuade you to get involved but to make sure you feel prepared.
That being said, here’s how the day is going to look if you’re getting involved:
Great Manchester Run route, baggage holds and starting location
Once you’re all signed up and have found out what wave you’re in, it’s just a case of getting where you need to be and limbering up for your big moment. The half marathon, 10K orange wave and 10k pink wave access the assembly area via Princess Street. As for the HM red wave, 10k green and 10k purple, you can access the assembly point by Charlotte Street.
If you’re looking for where to store your bags, there are two separate areas: one at Manchester Central foyer and then the baggage buses on Jackson Row.
Runners will then gather on the corner of Portland Street and Oxford Road — yes, the one right near the Maccies — and before you set off for what we hope is a personal best (I mean, it will be if this is your first!) — you’ll take part in a big group warm-up.
And the best part is, you’ll have a full team of instructors with megaphones to talk you through everything you need to do during the warm-ups. No more random and ill-executed stretches based off something you saw on the telly once. Here are the routes for the Great MCR 10k and Half Marathon:
10k routeHalf marathon route
Great MCR Run timetable
Half marathon
07:30 – Event site open
08:20 – Warm-up
08:29 – VI Half marathon wave start
08:30 – Orange wave start
08:47 – Red wave start
10K
09:04 – Elite wheelchair (10k) race start
10:25 – Junior and mini-wave start
11:15 – Elite women start
11:18 – Orange, red and green wave warm-up
11:30 – Elite men and orange wave start
11:49 – Red wave start
11:53 – Green wave start
12:25 – Pink and purple wave warm-up
12:36 – Pink wave start
12:54 – Purple wave start
As for when it finishes, that’s up to you, folks!
Credit: AJ Bell Great Manchester Run
Training plans
As mentioned, you’ve still got plenty of time to get yourself ready to race on the 21 May and not only are the Great Run organisers allowing people to enter right up until the Friday before the event, but they’ve also put together bespoke training plans for each distance, all designed by the experts.
Don’t worry if you feel like you might not be on track, the plans are broken down into different time periods and are merely a guideline to help you feel ready for the day — people from all ages and capabilities turn up for the Great MCR Run and adjust accordingly, you’re going to smash it, we’re sure.
In fact, they’ve even got Scottish long-distance runner Eilish McColgan who set the British 10k record just last week as their official ambassador this year, and you can even follow her training tips and advice hub for this year’s event.
We are very excited to announce to you our AJ Bell Great Manchester Run #TeamEilish! 🙌
The team will be mentored by @EilishMccolgan, find out more on our IG stories today 📲
Post-race festivities + medal and shirt collection
Another thing we love about the Great Manchester Run is that it’s always party from start to finish and this year promises to be bigger than ever.
With music zones, big speakers and live bands at virtually every turn, not to mention roaring charity cheering squads and the incredible local support lining streets to cheer you on, it’s an experience like no other. The timed pacers will be even going further to spur you on this year by blasting out tunes all along the course too, meaning you’ll never be short of motivation.
Once you’ve finished, all the runners, along with their families and friends, can kick back, relax and enjoy the post-race celebrations in the Après Run Zone, where there’ll be food, drinks and a live DJ to make sure you’re refreshed and the vibes are immaculate after it’s all said and done.
Lastly, one of the best bits about taking part in a big run like this is getting the customary shirt and medals to prove it and, luckily for those taking part, this year’s Great Manchester Run commemorative shirt and finisher’s medal — inspired by the 20th anniversary of the event — are both belters.
Great Manchester Run road closures and travel advice
Now, if you’re coming from out of town or simply wondering the best way to get about on the day, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) are advising people to take public transport wherever possible due to the increased traffic and numerous roads being closed throughout the day.
Fortunately, as well as the likes of Piccadilly, Oxford Road, Deansgate and Victoria train stations, Manchester is famous for its Metrolink tram network, which has a total of 99 stops, many of which are right where you need to be for the run itself.
The nearest stops to the start and finish lines are St Peter’s Square and Deansgate-Castlefield, respectively — you simply just need to tap on and tap off to pay for your journey. When in doubt, you can always use the TfGM website to plan your journey and live updates will be available via their Twitter.
As for road closures, you can see a full interactive map down below to find out what’s shutting from when and what time it’ll be back open:
As for any last-minute queries — say if you haven’t received your race number yet or need to pick up your pack in person — you can visit the AJ Bell branded marquee on Great Northern Square on Saturday and Sunday, which is open from 10am-4pm on Saturday and 7.30am-3pm on Sunday.
As always, the whole thing will be televised on BBC from 11am until 1pm and there are plenty of places for family and friends to line the street and cheer you on.
Marking two decades of Mancs running their socks off for good causes, a sense of pride and simply to be part of this wonderful city-centre occasion, the 2023 Great Manchester Run is sure to be better than ever.
Here’s why:
The 2023 Great Manchester Run is going to be truly special.
Sign up for the Great Manchester Run 10k or half marathon HERE.
Five reasons to live at New Maker Yards, Salford’s stunning canalside neighbourhood
Daisy Jackson
With new apartment blocks springing up all over Greater Manchester, it’s rare to find one with community spirit built-in – but we’ve found just the place.
Just across the river from Manchester city centre, this canalside neighbourhood offers more than just its beautifully designed apartments and generous green spaces. New Maker Yards creates a community that values lifestyle, wellbeing and connection as much as the living spaces themselves.
That means free events for residents, plenty of communal spaces, a gorgeous setting, and so much more.
Here, you’ll find one-, two-, and three-bedroom homes available for rent, with pet-friendly pads, an on-site cafe, parking, and green spaces all available. It’s in a pretty enviable location, too.
Here are five reasons to make New Maker Yards your next home.
Community
At New Maker Yards, you’re not just renting an apartment, you’re joining a neighbourhood with real community spirit.
Large-scale free community events bring residents and locals together, like this summer’s Middlewood Locks Fest, which featured live music, food, rowing boats and a market right on the canals.
The recent Sofar Sounds event saw the community curl up on beanbags to enjoy a completely free gig from up-and-coming local artists.
Come winter, there’ll be a Christmas party, and all year round you’ll find monthly quiz nights, workshops, a book club, yoga, football, a run club, and pop-up events like sushi making and plant pot painting.
Location
Aviva Studios is a short walk from New Maker YardsNew Maker Yards is just outside Manchester city centre
Technically in Salford, but a stone’s throw away from Manchester city centre, New Maker Yards blends convenience with character. You can even see Aviva Studios from here.
Built around canals and just beside the River Irwell, it’s a gorgeous part of the city centre.
From your door, it’s just a four minute walk to the Regent Retail Park (hello, big Sainsburys and JD Gyms); seven-minutes to all the restaurants and cafes on Chapel Street; and less than 10 minutes from St John’s and onwards to Spinningfields.
You can also get your green space fix with a 15 minute walk to Castlefield, with Peel Park a little further on.
And with each apartment block designed around its own communal gardens, you’ll feel tucked away from the city centre, while still being amongst the action.
Communal spaces
Co-working hub at New Maker YardsCo-working hub at New Maker YardsA resident lounge
You’ll never get cabin fever at New Maker Yards, which has loads of communal spaces to enjoy.
Residents have access to The Lock, a co-working hub with window seats, booths and a huge co-working desk.
Residents can also access the Club Room, where you’ll find a mini library, a kitchen for hosting events, a huge TV and more.
Outside, landscaped gardens include flower beds, loungey garden furniture, ping pong tables and more for residents to enjoy.
Add in a 92 Degrees coffee shop and an on-site Co-op shop, and you have everything you need right on your doorstep.
Interiors
Inside a New Maker Yards apartmentA living space opening onto an outdoor terraceModern, fully equipped kitchensStylish living spaces
Apartments at New Maker Yards come with top-spec, state-of-the-art interiors, designed for modern living.
Each home has huge windows that flood with natural light, integrated kitchen appliances including a fridge, microwave and dishwasher, and loads of storage space.
Furniture packages mean you can move straight into a home kitted out with dressers, drawers, beds, sofas, mirrors, and more.
Many of the apartments also feature private outdoor space – balconies for the upper floors, and terraces opening onto the communal gardens for the ground floors.
They’re also pet friendly, so you can bring your four-legged friend with you.
Services and amenities
The Club RoomNew Maker Yards
You’ll have proper peace of mind at New Maker Yards, both for your own personal safety and the safety of your ASOS parcels.
There’s 24-hour on-site security, an on-site maintenance team, a parcel room and a friendly resident team in the welcome office, ready to help with whatever you need.
Storage pods, car parking and bike storage are all available too.
To find out more about New Makers Yard, head HERE.
Nike and go-to online running shoe suppliers confirmed as new sponsors for Altrincham 10k
Danny Jones
The annual Altrincham 10k just got a whole lot bigger and better ahead of this year’s run, as the annual race has just notched Nike as one of their new lead sponsors – and that’s not all.
Alty’s annual race is also being backed by SportsShoes.com, a.k.a. the go-to trainers supplier for so many runners, who will be presenting the 2025 edition in partnership with RunThroughUK.
Now part of RunThrough North‘s regular programme, Altrincham 10k continues to grow in size with each passing year, as demonstrated by getting such prestigious sponsors on board.
Taking place this weekend, the 2025 Alty 10k could just be the biggest yet.
We are thrilled to announce that we are teaming up with @Nike & @sportsshoes_com to bring the town an unforgettable race day 🤝
📅 Sunday 7th September 🏃 3,500 runners 👟 Closed roads ⚡️ Electric atmosphere
Set to welcome approximately 3,500 runners to the Trafford market town’s central streets, the Altrincham 10k is one of the final large-scale running events on the local calendar.
Aligning both famous brands with the heart of Altrincham’s running community and, indeed, giving Greater Manchester’s wider sports culture, it’s yet more prestige for 0161.
The 2025 race will also see Nike showcase its latest road running line-up, including the newest max cushioning shoe: the ‘Vomero Plus’; the responsive ‘Pegasus’ everyday trainer, as well as supportive ‘Structure’ model, meaning runners will get a chance to sample their latest styles.
As well as support from SportsShoes.com and official Nike ambassadors, North West native and GB triathlete Katie Halligan, Hits Radio presenter and ultra runner Hattie Pearson, as well as local Manc artist Emma Evans will all be there too.
These equally inspiring women have also been chosen to help represent Nike and RunThrough’s shared mission of attracting more female runners, as shown with events such asthe recent 2025 Women’s Run Series back in April.
Co-Founder of RunThrough, Matt Wood, said of the new partnership: “Welcoming Nike as title sponsor of the Altrincham 10K, alongside our long-standing partner SportsShoes.com, is a huge milestone for the event.
“This partnership highlights the growth of our community and the strength of our brand. We can’t wait to support the thousands of runners taking part in the Nike Altrincham 10K, Presented by SportsShoes.com.”
As for SportShoes, brand manager Gavin Bannister added: “The energy around this year’s 10K will be electric, and we can’t wait to see everyone out there chasing their goals and celebrating the power of running.
“From our own athletes to first-time runners, this event is all about showing up, pushing limits, and being part of something truly special, and that is what Nike and Sportsshoes.com are all about.”
Entries are still open for any of those interested in a last-minute place in the race on Sunday, 7 September – you can sign up HERE.