Over 32,000 people will take part in the 13.1-mile challenge this Sunday. The event is expected to raise £1.8 million for charities, with thousands participating in support of Alzheimer’s Society, Cancer Research UK, The Christie and Moya Cole Hospice.

What time does the ASICS Manchester Half start?

Elite wheelchair participants will set off first at 8:50am, followed by the elite wave at 9.05am. Participants will then set off in waves at approximately 9-minute intervals, depending on their allocated wave colour, with the final wave setting off at11:07am.

Where is the start and what is the route?

Access to the start process is adjacent to Trafford Town Hall. Those wishing to use bag drop should enter the Lancashire Cricket Club via Gate 5 and 10. Marshals will direct participants to the start line from both locations.

On the route, participants will head towards the city before looping back, passing through Stretford, Sale, Chorlton-cum-Hardy and the finish line on Talbot Road.

The full participant guide, containing start times, a route map, and more, can be viewed here. Additional route information, including a useful interactive map can be found here.

Where will drinks stations, toilets and nutrition be located?

There will be four drinks stations along the course. ESN Perfect NRGY Hydro Energy Gel will be available at the second and third drinks stations (more information here).

Toilets are located at or near each water station, as well as at the Event Village and Trafford Town Hall car park.

Which roads will be closed?

Road closures will be in effect along and around the half marathon route starting from Saturday 3rd October. Those affected should allow extra time for journeys as open roads in the surrounding areas will be busy. Many bus services will also be diverted due to these closures.

Full details of road closures can be found here.

What’s the best way to get there?

The tram network will allow best access to and from the event. For a quieter journey, the Imperial War Museum stop is a 15-minute walk to the Event Village. The closest tram stations are Old Trafford (a 3-minute walk) and Trafford Bar (a 11-minute walk), but these will be very busy and may have queues.

As buses will be disrupted by road closures, those arriving in Manchester by train are advised to take the tram to the Event Village.

Participants are advised to avoid driving to the event due to congestion. For those who do plan on driving, there is no official parking, but Manchester United Football Club has prepaid parking spaces available for £20 when booked in advance. Further information and parking recommendations can be found here.

How can supporters track and watch the event?

Supporters are encouraged to cheer loved ones along the course rather than at the start and finish areas, where access is limited. Many locations around the route are walkable so they may want to consider this rather than using the busy trams to get about. They can find out how to track their participant here and are advised to agree a meeting point in advance, with recommended areas available here.

The Deansgate Interchange is a great spot to soak up the atmosphere at the end of the first mile, with live starts shown on the big screen ‘Kick-off Cam’. Other prime viewing spots include Wharfside, Stretford, Sale and Chorlton-cum-Hardy.

A range of entertainment will be available across the route for participants & the public, including the ASICS Cheer Zone, The Bupa Stretch, ESN Fuel & Cheer Zone and cheer points from all of our Official Charity Partners. Find out more here.

The Event Village at Lancashire County Cricket Club will also have a large screen showing live finish line coverage, food outlets and activity from our Official Partners. Official Partners activity in the Spectator Village will include: ASICS Celebration Zone, the Bupa Recovery Zone, the ESN Performance Hub, and Vitamin Well Victory Vault. All the details can be found here.

Who is taking part in this year’s event?

One in four participants will be taking on their first official 13.1 miles at this year’s ASICS Manchester Half, reflecting the continued growth of the sport and cementing the event’s reputation as a favourite among participants of all abilities.

A host of familiar faces will be joining thousands of participants on the start line this year, including Coronation Street favourite Harriet Bibby (Summer Spellman), professional dancer and Strictly Come Dancing star Gorka Márquez, Great British Bake Off star Michael Kraverty, comedian and writer George Lewis alongside BBC Radio Manchester host Michelle Dignan.

What else to look out for at this year’s ASICS Manchester Half?

ASICS are bringing the energy to Manchester throughout event week, with ASICS House at North Bar in Circle Square, offering a dedicated space for participants to move, connect and get event ready. Activities will include kit personalisation and support from ASICS running specialists, community shakeout runs with ASICS Front Runners, and panel sessions ahead of event day. Find out more about other ASICS event weekend activities here.

A team of ERDINGER pacers will also be available at the start on the day. Find out more here.

After the finish line, participants can pick up freebies from partners in the Athlete’s Village. Find out more about what’s on offer here. The Event Village will also feature activities from Bupa, Vitamin Well, Runna, ESN, ERDINGER Alkoholfrei and the event’s Official Charities, as well as an ASICS Celebration Zone featuring a photo wall, product showcases and exclusive OneASICS experiences.

How do I take part in the 2027 ASICS Manchester Half?

Those who have been inspired to take part next year can register for priority access now here. This gives first refusal on guaranteed places, including a limited amount at a special discounted launch price.