We've created a handy interactive map that highlights the Half Marathon route and the best tram stations for participants to access the start, this map also shows the best tram stations for supporters to access the route at various points.

There will be 4 water stations conveniently located along the course to keep you refreshed. Water will be provided in 330ml bottles, please make sure to aim for the bins when you discard the bottles.

The Isotonic Energy Gels from Applied Nutrition will only be available at Drink Stations 2 and 4 so please plan ahead and remember to bring additional hydration and nutrition based on your individual needs. Gels on course will be supplement to your own. Applied Nutrition recommends to consume 1 – 3 gels per 60 minutes during exercise.

Please Note:

There will be dedicated drop zones following each drink station to dispose of your bottles and gel wrappers. Please help us to keep Manchester’s streets clean by using the bins and drop zones provided. If you need to carry your bottle/wrapper past the drop zones, please hold onto them until you get past the next drink station/finish line to dispose of your litter.

Water Bottles

• In each drop zone there will be 8 large bins with target signs attached please ensure you aim your bottles at the target signs/bins provided as we can only recycle bottles that are in the bins.
• There will be an additional skip provided after Drink station 3 to throw your bottles into.
• Please ensure you drain any remaining water from the bottle prior to disposing of your bottle into the large bins provided in these drop zones.

Gel Wrappers

• There will be two smaller gel disposal bins after each water station please only drop gels into these bins and refrain from throwing the wrappers on the ground or in the larger bins for bottles.

Road Surfaces

Whilst the route is generally flat enabling many people to achieve PBs, it is important to note that the road surface on any road, by its very nature, is not completely even.

We work closely with the council to communicate to them about the road surfaces before the event however not all areas can be fixed, and so there will/may still be:

• Potholes
• Uneven surfaces
• Speed bumps
• Traffic islands and other structures
• Cycle lane bollards

(Due to the Greater Manchester walking and cycling network initiative, there are more and more cycle lane bollards being installed along the main roadway network, therefore please keep an eye out for these when running on the roads).

Please stay aware and watch where you’re going at all times.

Route Cut Off Time

As with all major running events, there is a cut off time for the Manchester Half.

The Finish Line will close 3 hours after the last participant has crossed the start line; this equates to a pace of approximately a 13.5 minute mile or an 8.5 minute kilometre.The roads along the course are re-opened in staggered zones and so you will need to achieve the minimum pace throughout. There will also be a sweep coach at the back of the pack which will progress around the course at the minimum speed. If you fall behind this speed then you will get overtaken by the coach and encouraged to get on it.

Should you choose not to then you will be asked to move onto the pavement so our team can safely clean the roads, remove all the infrastructure, and facilitate the re-opening of the roads on time for businesses and residents.

Please be aware that should you continue on the pavements however event signage, directional aids, drink stations, and medical stations etc will be removed as we will start to return roads and pavements to their original state.  Should you carry on you will be doing so full in the knowledge of this.

Greater Manchester Police will be deploying specially-trained officers as part of Project Servator to enhance security measures already in place at Manchester Half  2025. They will deploy at sites around the event footprint as preparations get underway and during the event weekend itself. Officers will work with event organisers, security and the public to help keep people safe throughout.

Some of these officers may be in plain clothes and are trained to spot the tell-tale signs that a person may be conducting hostile reconnaissance – the information-gathering terrorists and other criminals need to do to plan their criminal activity.

They can turn up at anytime and anywhere so please don’t be surprised if you see them. Officers may be supported by other specialist assets such as search dogs, mounted officers and firearms officers.

Working with the community is a vital part of making Project Servator a success, so if you have any questions, please feel free to talk to the officers.

It’s all about helping to ensure that everyone involved is safe and secure, and to make life difficult for criminals who may seek an opportunity to commit crime.

We will continue to work with Greater Manchester Police and other security organisations throughout planning and on the day of the event to ensure the event runs smoothly and to keep people safe.

If you see something suspicious, please tell a police officer or member of the security team as soon as possible.

To find out how you can pay your part, visit Project Servator | Greater Manchester Police (gmp.police.uk)”