It has been confirmed this week that the Manchester Marathon and Half Marathon will definitely be taking place on Sunday 10th October 2021.
This is the first time that both events will be held on the same day.
The events’ organisers have explained that the decision to hold both runs on the same day is a move that allows infrastructure to be in place for an incredible day for all, with safety at the heart of every stage of planning.
Specifics of the event day plans for runners and spectators will be revealed later this year.
Due to the forced cancellation of the 2020 Manchester Marathon, around 85% of places in this year’s event have already been taken, but with the date and capacities for the events having been confirmed, a small allocation of places are now available.
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To ensure a “safe and enjoyable event” for all, the Manchester Half Marathon will be limited to 50% of its usual numbers for 2021.
Entries into both runs are available on a first come, first served basis.
What’s more is that, to coincide with with these new entries becoming available, the Manchester Marathon has also announced the latest recipients of donations from its ‘Trafford Active Fund’ – which uses £1 from every entry to help individuals and organisations inspire active lifestyles and sporting progress in Greater Manchester – with a record £46,000 being awarded.
Five worthy organisations were shortlisted for a public vote, with the following three coming out on top and each receiving a cut of the funding:
Disability Snowsport UK
Henshaws Society for the Blind
Simply Cycling
That’s not all either, as the judging panel were so impressed by the standard of applications received for the initiative, that they have decided to award an additional £2,000 each to the runners-up in the public vote – The Conservation Volunteers and Mile Shy Club.
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Each organisation has provided detailed plans of how they will use the money awarded to help individuals in Greater Manchester get active during this incredibly testing time.
Speaking about the two announcements, Nick Rusling – CEO of Human Race Events, the organisers of Manchester Marathon and Manchester Half Marathon – said: “Whilst much focus is often given to records achieved on the course, we are delighted our events continue to break them off it too [and] the £46,000 being awarded to local organisations epitomises what this event is all about, giving people from all backgrounds the opportunity to get active and healthy.
“Whilst this is increasingly an event people want to experience from all around the world, the local community will always remain at the heart of everything we do”.
Ahead of 2021 Manchester Marathon booking opening at noon, here are the results of the Trafford Active Fund vote to decide £46,000 of YOUR funding: https://t.co/a0WWiHe4EV
He continued: “We’ve all been deprived the joy of a Manchester Marathon event day for too long, so it’s going to be an emotional and joyous return for us later this year [and] combining the two events will be something special, and I can’t wait to experience it.
“I can assure you the safety of everybody involved is a top priority, but there’s plenty of opportunity for a lot of the fun we are famous for too.
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“We look forward to sharing the plans in the not-too-distant future”.
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You can find more information about entries to the 2021 Manchester Marathon and Manchester Half Marathon here.
Featured Image – Manchester Marathon
What's On
Be part of the biggest Great Manchester Run ever
Danny Jones
Runners and regular Mancs alike, start lacing up your trainers and sorting safety pins early, because the Great Manchester Run is back for 2026, and you can be part of it.
With sign-ups flying and bibs selling out fast, we really recommend getting a move on and booking your place now to make sure you’re part of what is, without fail, not just one of the most exciting dates on the local sporting calendar, but always a great day for the city in general.
Returning for its 23rd edition and fourth year being backed by principal sponsors, AJ Bell, we can assure it’ll be as well-attended as ever.
In fact, judging by the numbers already and the increasing crowds of spectators every year, this is looking on course to be the biggest Great Manchester Run to date.
The only question is, are you going to help make it the BEST yet by joining the thousands of others already finding the perfect spot to hang their shiny new medal?
Half-marathon, 10k, junior and mini races
As ever, the Great MCR Run isn’t just limited to one event: there are multiple distances, routes and age groups that can race the route in and around the city centre.
Whether you’re a seasoned runner looking to get in a PB, looking to box off your first half, love a 10, or you’re a youngster looking to get in on the action and soak up some of that glory on the day
So, whether you’re a seasoned runner looking to get in a PB, looking to box off your first half, love a 10, or you’re a youngster looking to get in on the action and soak up some of that glory on the day, there really is fun for all ages.
In all seriousness, even watching the massive metropolitan event stood next to the roads with homemade signs promises plenty of atmosphere, but with fancy dress galore, various different activations in the middle of the city, there’s not a chance you’ll get bored.
Even in the years we’ve missed out on running it ourselves (it sold well in advance last year, for instance), the pure buzz we got from joining countless other Mancs cheering from the pavement is enough to keep us coming back time and time again.
All that being said, if you’re looking to sort the perfect Christmas present for a runner, or simply need more reason to give yourself the kick up the backside you’ve been waiting for and just put your name down, this is it.
Besides the full annual marathon in April, running events simply don’t get bigger in this region than this one, so don’t miss out.
Sign up for the 2026 Great Manchester Run right HERE.
Featured Images — Great Run Company/AJ Bell (supplied)
What's On
New Year’s Eve fireworks and special Albert Square party confirmed for Manchester city centre
Danny Jones
Manchester City Council have confirmed that a special firework and lights display will be held right in the centre of town this New Year’s Eve.
Better still, the festivities will be continuing over on Albert Square, as the recently restored ancestral home of the Manchester Christmas Markets will be hosting a celebration of its own.
Yes, for the first time ever, we’re being given the choice of two different NYE events at two of the most stunning central points in the city – the other being the Central Library.
Hosted by former presenter at The Manc, Joe McGrath, as well as DJ Jimmy the Gent, there’ll be tunes and plenty of family-friendly fun from St Peter’s Square right up until the big countdown, when the stunning light display will go off and ring in the New Year.
Credit: Manchester City Council (supplied)
The all-ages, alcohol-free event kicks off at 10pm with entry into the square through security-controlled entry points around the square and bag searches in operation.
Of course, hot drinks and food will be available as the MCR Christmas Markets proper wrap up for 2025, and the fireworks and light displays themselves will be launching right off the top of the library roof.
It’s going to be fantastic.
As for over on the other side of the Town Hall, the Markets will still be in full swing, with bratwurst, beers and cheer aplenty, and so will the truly massive Ferris Wheel – the biggest mobile wheel in the country, in case you hadn’t heard.
That’s right: in case you hadn’t put two and together quite yet, if you’re lucky enough and you don’t mind heights, you might just get to watch the NYE 2025 fireworks going off all over Greater Manchester from the top of the wheel. How magical would that be?
Honestly, it’s been so great seeing Albert Square looking back to its stunning and buzzing best.
Councillor Pat Karney, Christmas and New Year spokesperson for Manchester City Council, said of the plans: “We all know how much Mancunians of all ages love to get together and party, which is why we’re thrilled this year to give them not one but two celebrations to take their pick of this New Year’s Eve.
“Whether you’re a Ferris Wheel fanatic with a head for heights, or a music-loving feet-on-the-ground firework fan, it promises to be a brilliant night out. So get yourselves ready to have some fun and dance the night away – wrap up warm, grab your family and your friends and come down and join us!”
Promising to work closely with local councillors and therefore businesses and residents in turn, they’re promising to keep any inconveniences and nuisances to a minimum; they want everyone to be able to enjoy the night as much as possible.
You can find out more information, including timings, accessibility, road closures and parking suspensions in the full Council statement right HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
13th April 2021 
