Returning to the city after a 16-month absence, organisers of the Great Manchester Run are preparing to welcome thousands to the tarmac for 10Ks and half marathons this Sunday 26 September on what is promised to be a “special day”.
Famous for its central route weaving around the city’s iconic landmarks, the Great Manchester Run 2021 will feature live music, entertainment zones that celebrate local character and culture, and a boisterous crowd roaring on the participants.
There’ll be non-stop entertainment from start to finish, with all the action from the day set to be televised live on BBC.
Thinking of signing up for this year’s event last minute, but haven’t yet got your name down? This is your chance to be a part of “something really special,” event organisers said.
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So whether you’ve already secured your place on the start line, or you’re looking for your next challenge, then here’s the run-down on what you can expect from the Great Manchester Run on Sunday 26 September.
15,000 runners will line up on the 10K and Half Marathon start lines on Portland Street, before setting off on a running tour of the city.
On the 10K route, you can take in views of Manchester United’s Old Trafford stadium, the award-winning Imperial War Museum North at Salford Quays, and The Lowry theatre.
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The Half Marathon route takes runners past both iconic football stadiums, joining the 10K route in exploring the famous cobbles of Coronation Street’s new set, and right past Beetham Tower – the 47-storey skyscraper which almost marks the finish line on Deansgate in the heart of Manchester city centre.
The Great Manchester Run 2021 is back on Sunday 26 September.
Rocking Music and Entertainment
The Great Manchester Run is famous for its buzzing atmosphere, iconic music, and Mancunian spirit in abundance, so runners can prepare to be entertained from start to finish by a host of live music and local legends – including Clint Boon – the event’s very-own ‘Beats Boost’ and ‘Hacienda’ zones, the high-energy ‘Hits Radio Motivation Zone’, and much more.
With 24 entertainment zones for the Half Marathon, and 21 on the 10K course, even if you’re not taking part and are just cheering on the runners instead, there’s still plenty happening that’ll have you rocking from start to finish.
Here’s what’s on the line-up:
Bands on the Run – Some of the very best bands and local musical artists are lined-up to provide the soundtrack to the run. From Clint Boon to DJ Helen Stelling Holt and of course The Halle, they’ll have you bopping, clapping, singing and running to the beat.
Beats Boost – The Great Manchester Run’s very-own music zone will raise your running to the next level with the Tune Tunes DJ truck providing the beats with bubbles blowing everywhere, making it a great selfie spot and an experience to remember.
Hacienda – The party is back to give runners that much needed boost just as the finish comes into view. With a Hacienda inspired playlist, a massive sound system and disco lights, event organisers “want to see those hands up until you’re right across the finish line.”
Hits Radio Motivation Zone – The Hits Radio crew will add an extra skip to your step with their upbeat support zone at Castle Quay.
Charity Cheering Buses – The charity cheering buses provide instant motivation and inspiration for runners, and this year’s five representing charities are Cancer Research UK, Alzheimer’s Society, Macmillan Cancer Support, The Christie, and Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital.
The LGBTQ+ Cheer Point – Sponsored by Nissan, this dedicated cheer point will bring the colour and a wall of noise to the run.
Thousands will hit the tarmac for 10Ks and half marathons on what is promised to be a “special day” / Credit: Great Manchester RunThe Great Manchester Run is famous for its buzzing atmosphere, iconic music, and Mancunian spirit in abundance / Credit: Great Manchester Run
Personal Best & Pacers
Renowned for being a fast and flat route, the Great Manchester Run offers a great opportunity for keen runners to try and achieve a personal best, especially as there’s always crowds lining the streets cheering and fellow runners spurring each other on.
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Race day always lends itself to personal records.
And if you’re looking to make it to the finish line in a particular time, the Great Manchester Run’s team of pacers will be on hand to help you achieve your goal.
There’ll be 14 pacers in the 10K that will pace runners from 40 minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes, and the Half Marathon will then have a team of 11 pacers, pacing runners from 1 hour 30 mins to 2 hours 30 mins, all depending on your wave allocation.
A Very Big Thank You
This year, the Great Manchester Run will be welcoming runners back to the start-line after one of the most challenging experiences in living memory, and as the city celebrates the return of running together again, event organisers are also keen to say “a very important thank you” to those who went above and beyond to help others during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We will be recognising the incredible efforts with our ‘thank you mile’,” event organisers explain.
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Signs of thanks and appreciation will single out NHS heroes, fundraisers, teachers, supermarket workers, care home carers, sports coaches, mental health guardians, and many more all along the routes.
This year’s event is shaping up to be an action-packed celebration of running / Credit: Great Manchester Run
The Finish Line Feeling & A Worthy Reward
Runners are likely to be feeling a mix of elation, exhaustion and joy as they complete the challenge and cross the finish line on Deansgate to cheering crowds, and many previous participants have called this sense of achievement as the greatest reward in taking part.
A shiny new medal, finishers t-shirt and bag filled with goodies await all participants at the end of the Greater Manchester Run.
This year’s event is shaping up to be an action-packed celebration of running, so whether you do it for the challenge, to fundraise for charity, or simply for fun, there’s still time to sign-up and take your place on the start line to be a part of something really special.
You can find out more and stick your name down for the Great Manchester Run 2021 here.
Featured Image – Great Manchester Run
What's On
A free snooker fan zone has popped up in Manchester for the 2026 Tour Championship
Danny Jones
We’re sure plenty of you are well aware that this year’s WST Sportsbet.io Tour Championship is happening in Manchester right now, but what many of you may not know is that a completely free snooker fan zone has opened up as part of it.
You don’t need a ticket for any of the actual matches to watch them on the big screen or even play one of your own.
However, it isn’t just the buzz inside the match room itself that the World Snooker Tour has brought on its return to the city centre – even the supporter hub outside is well worth a visit.
Based over at Manchester Central on the Exchange side of the building, while the games themselves are taking place in the main rooms, the foyer and surrounding areas have been turned into a fan park.
Perfect for anyone looking for a fun way to spend an afternoon or, indeed, a full day this week – not to mention an ideal activity for kids this coming Easter bank holiday weekend – if you’re a fan of the sport, you’d be a fool not to at least pop your head in.
Running until this Sunday, 5 April, when the tournament itself finishes, snooker lovers have access not only to a bar area with multiple big screens and food and drink, but also numerous free tables for them to play on.
In fact, you quickly turn a few frames into some proper practice if you’re so inclined, as there’s even on-site coaching to be made the most of.
As you can see, people of all ages have already turned up in their droves to soak up the atmosphere.
Once again, the competition is being broadcast live and free-to-air on Channel 5 if you’re happy to watch the games at home, but we don’t need to tell you what makes sitting in a room with a bunch of fellow fans and getting excited together so enjoyable.
If you visit the Manchester Central convention centre before the end of the week, you can even have a go at playing on a proper king-sized snooker table for the full pro-feel experience.
For anyone who wants to grab actual tickets for the matches as well, you can find them HERE.
Beyond The Music moves to MediaCity for the first-time ever
Danny Jones
Greater Manchester arts festival and conference Beyond The Music is back for 2026, but this time it will be heading to MediaCity for a Salford debut.
The long weekender is still a relative newcomer when it comes to the Manc events calendar, but it’s quickly gathered plenty of repute not just in the North West but within the industry as a whole.
Holding just its third edition later this year, Beyond The Music ’26 is set to be the most ambitious yet, spread across the three days and promising an impressive lineup both in terms of live performers, but also speakers, industry experts and wider activities.
With MediaCity and dock10 hosting their inaugural Beyond The Music, it’s another big win for the second city, with Sports Personality of the Year sticking over Salford way for the foreseeable future, along with other events like the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) Awards moving to the Quayside.
Much of the BBC’s World Cup coverage is also being hosted at their Salfordian studios and main Northern base this summer, too.
Given that so many big annual dates have now made the switch to central Manchester – the BRITs and the MOBOs, just to name two recent examples – you could say it only makes sense to spread things out across the surrounding boroughs and their equally rich heritage.
Not that you should need reminding, but Salford isn’t just part of the region: it’s a city all of its own right that boasts an immense amount of pride over what is nothing short of a sterling musical history.
As for the 2026 Beyond The Music programme, besides both the local artists and more international creatives than ever, there’ll be keynote conversations, industry showcases, and wider networking opportunities for anyone looking to immerse themselves deeper in this world.
You’ll have to wait a little while longer for a full live music lineup, but watch this space…
Mayor Andy Burnham and friends help launch Beyond the Music at MediaCityUK (Credit: Mark Waugh)
Sarah Pearson, Co-founder of Beyond The Music, said in an official statement: “Beyond The Music’s mission is to seize this moment, to come together and drive meaningful and lasting change in the music and content industry.
“It’s undeniable that the impact and importance of music and content are stronger than ever, but this is not reflected in their perceived value.
“The ethical and economic infrastructure of the music and content industries demands urgent attention and bold reform… It is our responsibility to protect creativity in order to ensure it doesn’t just survive but thrives. Things may feel difficult, but they are still possible.”
Mayor Burnham added: “Greater Manchester has always been at the forefront of cultural innovation, and Beyond The Music is a vital opportunity for the sector to come together and address the challenges and opportunities facing music and content creation…
“With its move to MediaCity and a bigger-than-ever programme, Beyond The Music is helping to cement our city region’s place at the centre of the creative economy.”
Taking place between 7-9 October 2026, you can register for early bird tickets right HERE. Roll on an even more extensive festival season than ever.
Emily Sergeant -
8th September 2021 
