Welcome to the Manchester Half Supporter Hub – your go-to guide for watching loved ones at the Manchester Half.
Use this page to plan your day, including the best spots to watch those taking part; spectating tips and advice; and how to make the most out of Manchester and enjoy an exciting day out.
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.
Below is a map highlighting the top areas along the route to cheer on your loved ones as they take on the 13.1 mile challenge. Many of these places offer a great opportunity to see your participant more than once! Click on the map link in the text below and your Google Maps/Apple Maps will direct you there.
📍Deansgate Interchange
Soak up the atmosphere at mile 1 on the course at the lively PUMA Cheer Zone at Deansgate Interchange. Watch loved ones start the challenge live on the ‘Kick-off Cam’ - with lively beats from a DJ truck, cheer signs and endless energy at this prime viewing spot. 🗺️ Deansgate Interchange Map Location
📍Wharfside
Give participants a boost at the brand new ‘Buzz Hub’ at Wharfside. Catch participants twice as they loop around the intersection in the road, blasting by the iconic Old Trafford stadium to DJ tunes. What’s more, don’t miss the inflatable bees who will also be a part of the action! 🗺️Wharfside Map Location
📍Stretford
Stretford is a lively supporter spot where participants head ‘out’ on the course and then ‘back’ (roughly at miles 5.5 and 10). It also has a fast-growing reputation as a foodie hub. Stretford Canteen is a great spot for a casual lunch - as is Uplift @ the Square. 🗺️ Stretford Map Location
📍Sale
Situated slightly further out from the bustle of the centre, Sale strikes a charming balance of both city and countryside. With Bridgewater Canal running through its centre, Sale is home to friendly residents and many parks. See participants here from mile 6.5 to 9.🗺️ Sale Map Location
📍Chorlton-cum-Hardy
Chorlton is a leafy suburb known for its independent shops and artisan coffee houses. Barlow Moor Road presents a host of gastro-delights such as Barbakan Delicatessen. Chorlton is THE place to give runners a final push in the event, from miles 11-12. 🗺️ Chorlton Map Location
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 Up After the #MCRHalf’ for great alternative options and ideas.
The following maps are suggestions for spectators who want to plan an active day out supporting Manchester Half participants. They contain recommended routes for walking; stop-off points for refreshments; and some logistical and transport suggestions.
Please check and plan your travel in more detail in advance and ask your runner 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 if you’d like to do the route in reverse). Cut down Cornbrook Road until you meet the A56 on the route, which you’ll follow up to Deansgate Interchange (also known as Chester Road Roundabout).
- Join the PUMA Cheer Zone at Deansgate Interchange, where you’ll also be able to watch loved ones start the challenge live on the ‘Kick-off Cam’ – a large screen showing the start of all participants in their waves.
- Caffeine break? Continue up the A56 to ManCoCo Coffee Bar next to Deansgate Station. You can then stay in Deansgate to meet your runner after they finish (treat yourself to brunch at Medlock Canteen in the meantime) or hop on the tram at Deansgate to see them elsewhere on the course.
2. WHARFSIDE
- Start at Imperial War Museum tram stop and walk down Trafford Wharf Road in the direction of Old Trafford.
- Follow the route right until you reach the main road (Wharfside Way) where you’ll want to take another right.
- Here, you can either continue straight to the 'Buzz Hub' in the pedestrianised area between the main road and Victoria Place (here, you’ll be able to enjoy a DJ as well seeing runners twice!) If you’re not pressed for time, why not pop into the Red Café for a quick coffee and to see Old Trafford up close.
- After cheering your heart out, jump on the tram 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. SALE
- Start at Sale tram station and pick up a coffee from The Grapefruit – a charming café which specialises in seasonal espresso and baked goods.
- Cross the road and head down Broad Road, where runners will be between miles 7 and 8 on the course. This section is a good place to ‘park up’ and bring your supporter 'A game'. Why not also bring a picnic to enjoy in Worthington Park? You can then loop back round to Sale tram stop, by taking the Cheltenham Drive exit and heading up Northenden Road.
4. STRETFORD
- Start at Stretford Tram stop and exit right, onto the A5145 which goes over the river. Continue along (cheering on participants at approximately miles 5.5 and 10 of the course) and be on the hunt for a good spot to see your loved one.
- Hungry? Cross over the Stretford Mall, where we recommend Stretford Canteen or Uplift @ the sq. for a great range of breakfast and brunch options.
- To make the most out of the area, take a little post-brunch stroll to Victoria Park by turning left up the A5145 and cutting down Pinnington Lane. The Tea Room is a lovely community cafe in the park if you missed breakfast (or fancy round 2!)
- Head back to Stretford Tram Station where you can go to your pre-agreed spot to meet your participant after the event.
5. CHORLTON-CUM-HARDY
- Start on Barlow Moor Road where participants will be in the final stages of the event.
- Join in the amazing atmosphere, cheering on participants to give it all they’ve got. If all the excitement gets too much, why not pop into one of the many gastronomic wonders of Chorlton-cum-Hardy - shout out to The Beagle, Cha Cha Chai or Barbakan Delicatessen (who do AMAZING sandwiches).
- After this, a hidden gem to meet your participants at is Beech Road, which features a delightful string of cafes and pubs (pub crawl anyone?) It’s a 20 minute walk from Longford Road (left off of the route on Manchester Road) but worth it. Turn left down Oswald Road, left again on Wilbraham Road, left onto Whitelow Road (stay with us…) and finally, left again onto Beech Road. Check out all the amazing local eateries on the interactive map!
Live location tracking is a fantastic way to support your loved one during their half marathon journey, even if you can't be physically present. Here are some methods you can use to track their progress and be there with them every step of the way:
- '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".
We hope these options are helpful and allow you to experience the event more closely with your participant on the big day. Although we discourage spectators at the finish line due to crowds, a finish line live stream is available to watch through the website and our Manchester Marathon YouTube channel.
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 very limited. Please agree on a meeting point with your finisher in advance, why not choose one of our top 6 meet up locations meet up locations below.
🏙️ Deansgate
Meet your runner in the heart of Manchester's vibrant soul - Deansgate! This trendy area is abuzz with cafes serving up artisanal coffee; award-winning restaurants dishing up global flavours; and classic pubs full of friendly locals.
🏘️Chorlton
This quirky south Manchester suburb has a slightly more chilled out feel than the city centre, but once you come here once, you'll sure come back again soon. Chorlton is known for is known for its organic delis; independent bars and restaurants; and wholesome community spirit.
🎪Manchester Half Event Village
While this area will be bustling, it's an excellent 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 familairising yourself with our Event Village Maps
⚽ Man United Football Club Café
Whether you are a Manchester United supporter or not, 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, tasty portions, offering options for everyone (even the fussy ones!)
🌳 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?
🛍️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, and then hop to another part of the city.