The Therme Manchester Marathon will take over the city once again on Sunday, with tens of thousands of runners pounding the pavements between the city centre and Altrincham.
The huge running event – the second-largest in the UK – has now returned to its usual April dates after a bit of a shuffle last year.
Elite and amateur runners will all come together to tackle the 26.2 course, which will also be used for the Commonwealth Games Qualifiers.
The Manchester Marathon is particularly popular because of its flat route that will see many runners gunning for their PB.
To make room for this massively popular sporting event, there’ll be road closures in place across Greater Manchester.
Here’s everything you need to know, whether you’re runner, resident or going along to cheer people on.
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When does the Manchester Marathon start?
The Manchester Marathon is set to take place this Sunday, April 3, though there are different start times for all runners.
The official start wave times are below.
Runners will assemble at the bag drop near Old Trafford Cricket Ground before heading to the start line.
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What is the Manchester Marathon route map?
The city centre section has had to be rerouted slightly due to roadworks (story of Manchester’s life), but the route is still 26.2 miles.
It goes from Old Trafford, through the city centre, then down through Stretford and Sale to Altrincham before it comes back on itself via Chorlton.
There are activity points all the way along the route to spur people on with everything from samba to live choirs to cheerleaders.
What road closures will be in place?
Several roads around the marathon route will be closed on Sunday – both spectators and runners are advised to use the Metrolink to get around at the weekend.
Some streets will close as early as Saturday morning, and remain shut until late on Sunday.
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Make sure you plan ahead before you travel anywhere – there are full maps and helplines on the Manchester Marathon website.
Where to get a well-earned pint after the finish line
There will never be a pint that tastes quite as good as the one you drink after running an entire actual marathon.
You’ve really, really earned that drink (but please do rehydrate on non-alcoholic drinks too).
Cloudwater will be giving away free beer to all finishers at their taproom in the city centre, which is surely enough of a pull to head back into town.
But you’re also only a couple of tram stops away from the brilliant Stretford Foodhall, or there are a handful of fuss-free pubs around Old Trafford itself.
Featured image: Paul Currie, 07796 146931, www.paulcurrie.co.uk
What's On
Jack Catterall set for all-British bout in Manchester this summer
Danny Jones
Local fighter Jack Catterall is returning to Manchester for his latest fight against compatriot Harlem Eubank in what is sure to be a brilliant night for British boxing.
The all-English face-off between Catterall and Eubank will be the 33rd bout of the Chorley-born boxer’s career, returning to our city to hopefully get back to winning ways.
‘El Gato’s last appearance in the ring came against American Arnold Barboza Jr., in which he registered just his second-ever defeat on a debut visit to Co-op Live back in February, losing via split decision.
Now looking for redemption, the 31-year-old has sized up another member of the Eubank boxing dynasty, with Harlem still undefeated in 21 fights. They’ve already exchanged what we can only assume were a few spicy words:
The cousin of Chris Eubank Jr. and nephew of Eubank Sr., Harlem is one of several members of the family to have found their way into combat sports.
Harlem, also 31, turned pro back in 2017 and has quietly been building a consistent and thus far flawless record, with nine knockouts to his name.
Speaking ahead of the match-up, Catterall said: “This is another huge domestic fight that I can really sink my teeth into. “I’m eager to put on a big performance and make a statement in my first fight up at welterweight. The Eubank name is hot at the moment but I’m ready to put the fire out in style.”
Meanwhile, his opponent replied: “This is a fight that’s been on my radar for a long time, and I’m delighted it’s finally happening. Jack is a world-class fighter and, in my view – and many others’ – a former undisputed champion.
“These are the elite-level match-ups I’ve been calling for, and make no mistake, I’m ready.”
While many are arguing this is somewhat of a step down for Catterall, this will be the biggest fight of Eubank’s career yet, who has also called out fellow welterweight Conor Benn.
As for Catterall, who just missed out on becoming England’s first male undisputed champion in the four-belt era when he suffered his first loss to Josh Taylor back in 2022, he’ll just be glad to be back in action and will go in as the favourite.
The pair of UK fighters are scheduled to fight on Tuesday, 5 July at Manchester’s AO Arena, where so many iconic fights have been held in the past.
For those of you looking to grab tickets for Jack Catterall vs Harlem Eubank, you have two opportunities to grab early access, firstly through the venue’s own presale window and secondly for Three+ members – both of which go live at 10am on Tuesday, 20 May.
As for general admission, seats will be available from the same time on Wednesday, 10am. You can get ready to grab yours HERE.
Featured Images — Press Shots (supplied)iFL TV (screenshot via YouTube)
What's On
A massive ultra and trail running event is coming to Greater Manchester this summer
Danny Jones
Has this past month’s Manchester Marathon and Great MCR Run heroics got you feeling all hyped up for the next big challenge? How does an epic ultra/trail running event sound?
Best get those legs resting because there’s a brand new event coming to the race calendar.
The advent of ultras and trail running, in particular, looks to be growing ever more popular and with some brilliant terrain to be enjoyed around the North West, it’s not hard to see why.
Greater Manchester has loads of these runs throughout the year already, and now beloved event organisers, Beyond Trails, are bringing their first-ever Manc date to life.
Simply titled ‘Beyond MCR‘, this dual event will see runners offered the chance to take on one of two races, both of which will see them plodding beyond the half-marathon distance.
Depending on your disposition, you can take on either a 25k trail around Manchester, Trafford and Salford, or an ultra around even more nearby boroughs.
The ultra marathon distance will see participants putting in the ones and twos for a total of 55k, passing through the likes of Bury, Bolton, Salford and more. It’s one way to see 0161, put it that way.
As described on the website: “See a little of Manchester’s wild side with Beyond Manchester: a running event with a 25km trail option or a 55km ultra route for runners and walkers.”
Beyond Trails will also be teaming up with local favourites Track Brewery to supply some much-needed suds after the slog is done, with runners being handed tokens to claim their free pints there afterwards.
Now that’s the kind of motivation we can get behind.
The announcement goes on to add: “With its accessible city centre start and finish, plenty of signage, and a trademark Manchester welcome, Beyond MCR is for every kind of runner, no matter whether it’s your first trail event or your umpteenth ultra.
“Parkland, street, disused railway, reservoir trails – you name it, Beyond Manchester’s got it. The city just feels different when you go beyond your usual route – and we think you’re going to love it.
No matter which one you choose, both runs will begin and end in the picturesque Castlefield district, and whether you’re lacing up your trail shoes or your most cushioned trainers for some serious mileage, you’ll be able to take some stunning views from around the city and beyond.
Taking place on Thursday, 26 July, with an 8am start for the ultra and 10am for the 25k, we reckon it’s a great excuse to book a long weekend off work. You can find out more information and enquire about booking a place HERE.
Daisy Jackson -
1st April 2022 
