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.

The trams are expected to be very busy, and supporters will need to queue to use them. Where possible, walking between areas may be quicker and more convenient.

There will be 4 drink stations conveniently located along the course to keep you refreshed, with water being provided in bottles.

The ESN Hydro Gels will only be available at Drink Stations 2 and 3 so please plan ahead and remember to bring additional hydration and nutrition based on your individual needs. Gels on the course are a supplement to your own. ESN recommends consuming 1 – 3 gels per 60 minutes during exercise.

How To Dispose Of Your Litter:

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 or the finish line to dispose of your litter.

Water Bottles

Keep the course clean by dropping your water bottles and gels in the relevant recycling bins and /or drop them to the side of the road in the designated drop zones, located after each drink station.

Only clean empty water bottles can be recycled. Don’t forget: Drink - Drain – Aim

Gel Wrappers

There will be two 2 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 and definitely not into in the larger recycling bins meant only for the 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 ASICS 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 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.