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 2025 event.
Did you know that you can make cheer signs at the PUMA X RUNNA pop-up?
📆 Saturday 11th October 9am-11am and Sunday 12th October
📍 PUMA x Up & Running pop-up
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.
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
Soak up the atmosphere at mile 1 with the new Deansgate Inter-rave, powered by the Cybertruck DJ. Watch loved ones on the big screen ‘Kick-off Cam’ as the all-electric Tesla Cybertruck brings music, energy, and zero-emission power to this prime viewing spot. 🗺️ Deansgate Interchange Map Location
📍Wharfside
Give participants a boost at the ‘Buzz Hub’ at Wharfside. Catch participants twice as they loop around the intersection, blasting by the iconic Old Trafford stadium to DJ tunes. Don't miss the inflatable bees who will also be a part of the action! 🗺️Wharfside Map Location
📍Stretford
Watch participants head ‘out’ and ‘back’ (at roughly miles 5.5 and 10 on the course) in lively Stretford. Stretford Canteen is also a great spot for a casual lunch - as is Uplift @ the Square. 🗺️ Stretford Map Location
📍Sale
Enjoy charming Sale at roughly miles 6.5 and 9 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 presents a host of gastro-delights, such as Barbakan Delicatessen, and so many more. 🗺️ Chorlton Map Location
Below are maps for supporters planning an active day out at the Manchester Half 2025. They contain routes for walking near and along the course, as well as café stops and some logistical and transport suggestions.
Please 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 Deansgate 'Inter-rave' party at mile 1. Watch live starts on the big screen ‘Kick-off Cam’ as the all-electric Tesla Cybertruck brings music, energy and zero-emission power to 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 runner 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.
- Here, you can see participants twice at the 'Buzz Hub' in the pedestrianised area between the main road and Victoria Place. Check out the Red Café for coffee and to see Old Trafford up close.
- 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.
4. STRETFORD
- Start at Stretford Tram stop. Exit right onto the A5145 (which goes over the river) and continue to the junction at roughly miles 5.5 and 10 of the course.
- Hungry? Cross over the Stretford Mall, where we recommend Stretford Canteen or Uplift @ the sq. for great breakfast and brunch options.
- If you've got time to spare, 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.
3. SALE
- Start at Sale tram station. 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 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 on Beech Road - a hidden gem which features a string of delightful cafes and pubs. It’s a 20 minute walk from Longford Road (left off of the route on Manchester Road) but totally worth it.
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 our Manchester Marathon YouTube channel.
We highly recommend that supporters avoid going directly to the finish line, where viewing will be limited. 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. Please agree a meeting point with your finisher in advance - such as one of our top 6 meet up locations below:
🏙️ Deansgate
Meet your runner in the heart of Manchester's vibrant soul - Deansgate! This trendy area is abuzz with cafes, award-winning restaurants 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 will be lively on event day. 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 busy, our Event Village will offer various food options and will feature a live stream of the finish line. This will allow you to catch your loved one’s moment of triumph before reuniting with them.
Navigate easily on event day by familiarising 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 close to the finish line. The café has a casual feel and is well-reviewed for its large portion sizes.
🌳 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 fair, why not bring a picnic and, if you have children, let them blow off some steam.
🛍️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.