Welcome to the Manchester Half Supporter Hub! Use this page to plan your day, including the best viewing spots, tips and advice and how to make the most out of Manchester.
To ensure you have the best experience cheering on our amazing participants as they head out onto the course, we recommend avoiding the start line, as it can get quite crowded. Instead, catch all the action on the live stream when it is live for the 2026 event.
The Supporter Guide and Weekend Guide contains loads of information about how supporters can follow the 2026 ASICS Manchester Half 2026, plus ideas for how to make the most of your weekend in one of the world’s greatest cities.
Manchester has a wide range of travel options to help you move around the city. If you are travelling in from outside the city, we recommend that you use the train to reduce congestion in the area. Then for once you arrive, we also advise that you familiarise yourself with the TfGM tram system which is widely used across the city. Getting between loads of locations is also walkable, so if you are able to don’t be afraid to check out how to get from place to place on foot too.
Please note that Dane Road will be available for passengers getting off the tram only. You will not be able to board a tram at this stop. To board a tram, the nearest alternative is Sale, approximately 0.7 miles away (around a 15-minute walk). Alternatively, Stretford is approximately 1.4 miles away.
Dane Road, Sale and Stretford are all located on the half marathon route for spectating.
The tram system is the easiest way to move around Manchester.
Find the best cheering spots on the 13.1 mile route below - many of which offer you the opportunity to see your participant twice!
Important Finish Line Information:
We highly recommend meeting loved ones away from the finish area. If you attend the area and nearby tram stops please be aware that there will be large crowds, one-way systems in place, queues, and some delays to your walking journeys. Space near the finish line is limited. You can meet with your finisher in the Event Village inside the Lancashire Cricket Club, however we recommend checking out ‘Where to Meet Your Loved One After the #MCRHalf’ for great alternative options.
📍Deansgate Interchange | Supporter Send Off
Soak up the atmosphere at mile 1 at the Supporter Send Off, with a DJ truck and a big screen ‘Kick-off Cam’ showing the start line action live, this is a prime viewing spot. 🗺️ Deansgate Interchange Map Location
📍Trafford Road
Give participants a boost at the ‘Buzz Hub’. Catch participants as they head past, blasting by towards the iconic Old Trafford stadium to DJ tunes. Don't miss the inflatable bees who will also be a part of the action! 🗺️Trafford Road Map Location
📍Stretford
Watch participants head ‘out’ and ‘back’ (at roughly miles 5 and 10 on the course) in lively Stretford. Stretford Canteen is also a great spot for lunch - and make sure you catch the 'Mad For It' DJ Cheer Point at the ever-lively Stretford Public Hall. 🗺️ Stretford Map Location
📍Sale
Enjoy charming Sale at roughly miles 7 and 8 on the course. With Bridgewater Canal running through its centre, Sale is home to friendly residents and many parks. Picnic, anyone?🗺️ Sale Map Location
📍Chorlton-cum-Hardy
Give participants a final push in Chorlton - a vibrant suburb situated between miles 11 and 12 of the course. Barlow Moor Road, Wilbraham and Beech Road (a little further south of the course) present a host delightful cafes and independent shops. 🗺️ Chorlton Map Location
Below are maps for supporters planning an active day out. Find walking routes near and along the course, as well as café stops and some logistical and transport suggestions.
Note that the event route itself is not highlighted on these maps, although you can see the mile markers on the red flags. 🚩
Please also ensure to plan your travel in advance - and ask your participant for their estimated time/pace in the locations you’d like to support at.
- DEANSGATE INTERCHANGE
- Start at Cornbrook Tram Station (alternatively Deansgate Tram Station to do the route in reverse). Cut down Cornbrook Road until you meet the A56, which you’ll follow up to Deansgate Interchange (also known as Chester Road Roundabout).
- Join the Supporter Send Off at mile 1. Watch the live stream of the starts on the big screen ‘Kick-off Cam’, get ready to bring the energy at this prime viewing spot.
- Coffee? Continue up the A56 to ManCoCo Coffee Bar next to Deansgate Station. You can then stay in Deansgate to meet your participant after they finish or hop on the tram to see them elsewhere on the course.
2. WHARFSIDE
- Start at Imperial War Museum tram stop. Walk down Trafford Wharf Road in the direction of Old Trafford.
- Follow the route right until you reach the main road (Wharfside Way) and then take a right.
- Check out the Red Café for coffee and to see Old Trafford up close. Then carry down Wharfside to see the participants at the 'Buzz Hub' on Trafford Road
- Afterwards, jump on at Wharfside Tram Station to head to another section of the course (check lines in advance) or the city centre to meet your loved one.
3. STRETFORD
- Start at Stretford Tram stop. Exit right onto the A5145 Edge Lane (which goes over the canal) and continue to the junction at roughly miles 5.5 and 10 of the course.
- Hungry? Cross over to Stretford Mall, where we recommend Stretford Canteen or Uplift @ the sq. for great breakfast and brunch options.
- If you've got some time, take a stroll to Victoria Park by turning left up the A5145 and cutting down Pinnington Lane. The Tea Room is a lovely community café in the park.
- Head back to Stretford Tram Station where you can go to your pre-agreed spot to meet your participant after the event.
4. SALE
- Start at Sale tram station. Pick up a coffee from The Grapefruit café.
- Cross the road and head down Broad Road to see participants between miles 7 and 8. This is a good area to 'settle in' and watch the event; why not also bring a picnic to enjoy in Worthington Park?
- When you're ready to leave, loop back round to Sale tram stop via Northenden Road. Meet your participant at your chosen location away from the finish line.
5. CHORLTON-CUM-HARDY
- Start on Barlow Moor Road where participants will be in the final stages of the event, roughly 11.5 miles in.
- Cheer on participants in the final stretches toward the finish line. If the excitement gets too much, pop into one of the many gastronomic wonders in Chorlton-cum-Hardy - shout out to The Beagle, Cha Cha Chai and Barbakan Delicatessen (who do AMAZING sandwiches).
- Why not meet your loved one South of the course on Beech Road (point D) - a hidden gem which features a string of delightful cafes and pubs. It’s a 20 minute walk starting from Longford Road (left off the route on Manchester Road) but totally worth it. Just make sure to use the crossing point over Wilbraham Road (point C) - or alternatively stay on this road which has some lovely cafes and specialist food shops.
Asking your participant to share their live location is a great way to support them at the Manchester Half. You can track their progress using the following methods:
- 'Find My' App on Apple Devices
- Share Location on WhatsApp
- Strava Beacon Feature
To find out more about the ways to use these methods to track your friends/families progress read our ''Guide to Tracking at the #MCRHalf".
While we discourage supporters going to the finish line due to crowds, a finish line live stream is also available to watch through the website and on our YouTube channel.
Reuniting with your loved one after the event is a special moment. Whether you want to continue the party or take a breather, make sure it goes smoothly by agreeing a clear meeting spot at one of the locations below.
REMEMBER: We strongly recommend meeting away away from the finish line, as it will be exceptionally busy with restrictions, and it is very unlikely that you’ll be able to see your participant.
NOTE: the approximate walk / journey times below are from Trafford Town Hall adjacent to the Event Village area.
1. 🏙️ Deansgate
Deansgate is the vibrant soul of Manchester.
Journey time: approx. 15 minutes
Directions: walk to Old Trafford station and take a short trip on the Purple/Green Tram line
Meet your participant in the heart of Manchester’s vibrant soul: Deansgate. This trendy area is abuzz with coffee shops, award-winning restaurants and welcoming pubs.
2. 🏘️Chorlton
Chorlton is a quirky south Manchester suburb.
Journey time: approx. 20 minutes
Directions: walk to Trafford Bar station and take a short tram journey on the Pink Line / Navy Tram Line to Chorlton
This quirky south Manchester suburb has a slightly more chilled out feel than the city centre, but will still be lively on event day.
3. 🎪Manchester Half Event Village
While this area will be bustling, it’s a good place to select a designated meeting point. The event village will offer various food options and will feature a live stream of the finish line, allowing you to catch your loved one’s moment of triumph before reuniting with them after they finish.
Navigate easily on event day by familiarising yourself with our Event Village Maps.
4. ⚽ Man United Football Club Café
Journey time: approx. 13 minutes
Directions: walk to Old Trafford tram station, and take a short trip on the Green Light Blue Tram Line from Exchange Quay, or, the Red Tram Line from Wharfside to St Peter’s Square.
Whether or not you support United, the Red Café at Old Trafford Stadium is a well-loved and convenient meet-up spot which is close to the finish line. The Red Café has a casual feel and is well-reviewed for its large portion sizes and range of options.
5. 🌳 Gorse Hill Park
For those who prefer fresh air, Gorse Hill Park offers a respite from the bustle of the city centre. If the weather is on the up, why not bring a picnic, and, if you have children, let them blow off some steam with a kick about?
Journey time: approx. a 15 minute walk
6. 🛍️White City Retail Park
Close by to the world famous Old Trafford, White City Retail Park is a convenient place to meet up, with unfussy food options such as Nando’s, Costa and KFC. You could opt to meet with your loved one here away from the crowds, and then hop to another part of the city afterwards.
Journey time: approx. a 6 minute walk
Ensuring our event is accessible is important to us. All tram stops listed here are accessible for wheelchair users to access the finish or the route.
ON THE ROUTE
Much of the route does not have barriers and has unrestricted viewing. Where there are barriers in place, which may restrict wheelchair viewing, there should be a gap no more than 200 metres in either direction offering unrestricted viewing.
FINISH AREA VIEWING
Whilst the pavements are accessible the area around the finish line is narrow and gets extremely crowded. We advise all spectators to avoid the area for this reason.
If you need to head to the area we would recommend that you head to the Event Village which is in the grounds of the Lancashire Cricket Club and wait for your finisher in there. There is a big screen in place showing a live feed of the finish line. Please be aware that there is not general seating available in the Event Village, however there will be a limited number of chairs near the Information Desk for those that need a seat for a short time.
FINISH AREA PARKING
Whilst it is not super close, parking is offered by Manchester United FC in some of their car parks for the event. All spaces must be booked in advance and there is a limited number available. Please refer to our Travel Page here for details and the link to book a space.