Manchester Marathon 2026: Essential Information for Participants

The Manchester Marathon 2026 will welcome over 42000 runners on 19 April, making it the second largest marathon in the

The Manchester Marathon 2026 is expected to feature more than 42,000 runners, positioning it as the second largest marathon in the United Kingdom, after the London Marathon. The event is scheduled for 19 April 2026, with registration having reached full capacity months prior. Last year, approximately 36,000 runners took part, supported by tens of thousands of spectators along the streets of Manchester.

Race Route and Schedule

All runners will commence from the E2 Car Park adjacent to Manchester United's Old Trafford Stadium. Access to the start area is restricted to participants only. The marathon covers a 26.2-mile (42.2 km) loop passing through South Manchester, including Sale and Altrincham, before finishing in the city centre on Oxford Road.

• Elite wheelchair race: 08:55 BST
• Elite runners: 09:00 BST
• Wave starts: based on predicted finish times submitted during registration

Traffic Management and Road Closures

Organisers advise planning travel in advance due to extensive road closures and potential congestion. Manchester City Council has confirmed road closures across the city from 06:00 on 18 April until 04:00 on 20 April. Continuous updates on road conditions will be provided through the Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) website and social media channels over the marathon weekend.

Public Transport Access

Trams will operate from 07:00 BST on the day of the marathon. Recommended stations for runners include:

• Old Trafford or Trafford Bar: 10-minute walk to the start line; recommended before 09:30
• Wharfside or Exchange Quay: preferred after 09:30 for easier access

Participants arriving by train can use Manchester Piccadilly or Manchester Victoria stations to connect to tram services. Those arriving at Oxford Road station can walk to St Peter's Square tram stop to reach the start line. Detailed walking maps are available on the marathon's official website.

Parking Information

Parking is limited due to road closures, and organisers strongly recommend avoiding driving on marathon day. A limited number of pre-bookable spaces at Manchester United FC are available for £20, with additional spaces for £25 on the day. For spectators, parking options are available near the Oxford Road finish line.

Park and Ride facilities offer free parking with a valid Metrolink ticket at the following locations:

• East Didsbury: 296 spaces
• Brooklands: 84 spaces
• Navigation Road: 71 spaces
• Sale Water Park: 301 spaces
• Ladywell: 454 spaces, recommended; trams to Exchange Square
• Parkway: 360 spaces, recommended; trams to Wharfside

Further details are provided on the TfGM Park and Ride website.

Media and Live Updates

Fans can follow live updates via BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds or through social media platforms including Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story submissions are also accepted via WhatsApp at 0808 100 2230.

Additional Resources

• Manchester Marathon 2026: Route Map
• Manchester Marathon 2026 Official Website
• Manchester United Parking Information
• Marathon Walking Map
• TfGM Park and Ride Information

The Manchester Marathon 2026 continues to attract significant participation and spectator interest, remaining one of the largest annual sporting events in the United Kingdom.

Sources:

• Everything You Need to Know About the 2026 adidas Manchester Marathon
• Manchester Marathon 2026: Route, road closures in Sale
• Manchester Marathon 2026 Guide: Spectator Information, Travel Advice, and Best Celebration Spots
• Manchester Marathon 2026: Everything you need to know