Welcome to the Manchester Half Supporter Hub – your go-to guide for watching loved ones at our much-anticipated event.
Use this page to plan your day, including the best spots to watch participants; 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 possible experience watching our incredible runners, head straight out onto the course at the start of the day; we don’t recommend going to the start line as there’s not a lot to see! You can use one of our Suggested Supporter Zones maps to plan a route and meet your runner after the event for a well-earned drink and bite to eat (make sure to be savvy and avoid the finish line, which becomes very crowded!)
With a bit of planning and the advice on this page, you can have an enjoyable, stress-free day out while providing the best support for your loved one.
SPECTATOR AND WEEKEND DIGITAL MAGAZINE
Our Manchester Half Supporter Guide contains loads of information about how supporters can follow the 2023 Manchester Half, plus ideas for how to make the most of your weekend in one of the world’s greatest cities. To read the guide simply fill in the form below.
TOP SPECTATOR LOCATIONS
The City Centre
The City Centre is a fantastic place to soak up the atmosphere or the event, with many great places to grab food and drink close at hand. Head to Deansgate to catch runners at mile 2 and 3 of the event, where they’ll still be riding high on adrenaline.
For a limited time, PUMA are bringing their Run PUMA House to Deansgate. Whether you need to purchase any last-minute essentials before race day or want to trial your next pair of PUMA running trainers, PUMA will be there to help. Make sure to head down as PUMA is offering a 15% discount across items in store.
Stretford
Stretford has a fast-growing reputation as a foodie hub. Stretford Food Hall is a great spot for a casual lunch, while Stretford Canteen has been shortlisted for the Manchester Food and Drinks Festival Award Shortlist recently. It’s also great for a post-lunch stroll along the Bridgewater Canal!
Sale
Sale strikes a charming balance of both city and countryside, situated slightly further out from the bustle of the centre. With Bridgewater Canal running through its centre, Sale is home to friendly residents and many lovely parks. See runners here from mile 6.5 to 9.
Chorlton
Chorlton is a leafy suburb known for its artisan independent shops and artisan coffee houses. Take a stroll up Wilbraham Road where you will be spoiled by a host of places to eat and drink, including the award-winning Barbakan Delicatessen and The Beagle with a retro-pub vibe. Chorlton is the place to give runners a final push in the event, from miles 11-12.
SUPPORTER WALKING MAPS
Start at Deansgate where you can grab a quick coffee to fuel your spectating efforts. Mancoco Ltd is a great Roastery and Café hidden away under the arches in Hewitt St Castlefield – a 3 minute walk from Deansgate Station.
Watch your participant as they approach mile 2 at Deansgate between approximately 09:00 – 10:45 (remember to check their start time beforehand to estimate what time they’ll come through).
You may also be able to see your runner twice if you walk from the top of Deansgate (St Peters Square tram station) and walk down to Deansgate Station.
Why not then treat yourself to some food while waiting to repatriate with your runner? The Federal Bar is a great spot serving all day brunch, with banana bread to die for! Alternatively, take a stroll and mosey around the shops in the Arndale shopping centre – a 10 minute walk from Deansgate.
Finally, meet your loved one at a pre-determined spot for a well-deserved pint. Deansgate Lock has a great selection of bars – we love the Atlas Bar which specialises in gins!
This route is flexible; for example, you can start in the city centre to watch your runner in Deansgate and then hop on the tram to Sale to spectate. You then have the option to power on through to see runners in the final mile at Chorlton – or head back to the city centre.
We suggest that you start at Deansgate and then take the green or purple tram line to Sale. Outside the station, pick up a coffee from The Grapefruit – a charming café which specialises in seasonal expresso and high-quality baked goods.
Broad Road is then a good place to ‘park up’ and spectate between miles 7 and 8; why not bring a picnic and take a breather from the excitement by nipping into Worthington Park for lunch?
If you’ve got some juice left in the supporter ‘power bank’, you can then take the tram from either Sale or Dane Road tram station to Chorlton (this requires changing at the Trafford Bar tram). You can follow the route here to see runners in the final stages or the event. Why not grab a slice of pizza and other delicious grub from The Beagle on Barlow Moor Road, or a sandwich from Barbakan Delicatessen? Once you’ve seen your runner or feel like you might be losing your voice from cheering, head back to the city centre on the tramline. Remember: please do not go to the Finish Line from Barlow Moor Road / Manchester Road; you are much better off meeting your loved one elsewhere in the city centre.
The Party Go-er route is for fun-loving spectators looking to experience some entertainment on the course. We encourage you to join in the party to share good vibes and create amazing memories for runners!
Start at Stretford Mall (alight from the tram at Stretford if using public transport). You may well want to grab an early lunch – or ‘spectator fuel’ – from the plethora of food options here, such as Stretford Food Hall and Stretford Canteen (shortlisted for the Manchester Food and Drink Awards this year!)
Then, head down the A56 to soap up the party atmosphere at the Underground Kollectiv, pumping out techno and house music, at around mile 6 under the M60.
Next, continue down the A56 to the Cancer Research UK & Rock Choir entertainment point near Costa coffee – making sure to sing along if you know the words!
Finally, turn left onto the B5397 onto Dane Road, where you can grab a tram back to the city centre to meet your loved one. We suggest going back to Deansgate and treating your runner to some well-earned grub.
Want to push participants where they need it most? The ‘Finishers Power Bank’ route allows supporters to see runners between mile 11 and 12.5 where they are typically in need of a boost.
We suggest starting this route in the city centre in Deansgate where you can see runners at approximately mile 2, and then jumping on the navy or pink line direct to Chorlton (11 minutes by tram).
You can then follow the route here to see runners in the final stages of the event. Why not grab a slice of pizza and other delicious grub from The Beagle on Barlow Moor Road, or a sandwich from Barbakan Delicatessen? Once you’ve seen your runner or feel like you might be losing your voice from cheering, head back to the city centre on the tramline. Remember: please do not go to the Finish Line from Barlow Moor Road / Manchester Road; you are much better off meeting your loved one elsewhere in the city centre.
TRACKING YOUR RUNNER
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 MANCHESTER HALF".
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 streaming is available to watch through the website and our Manchester Marathon YouTube channel.
TIPS FOR SPECTATING
To get the most out of your day, make sure to read these tips before you set out on your spectating adventure.
- Wear comfortable shoes and weather appropriate clothes. Also, don’t forget to bring an umbrella, just in case it rains!
- Get familiar with the tram routes beforehand if you don’t know Manchester well; the tram is an easy and efficient way to get around the city.
- Bring something distinctive (like a sign) so that your runner has a higher chance of spotting you in the crowd.
- Agree a clear and specific location to meet your loved one after they finish. We suggest a café or transport link away from the finish area.
- Pack some snacks and remember to eat – spectating can be a sport in itself and you’ll need plenty of energy!
- Have breaks – as amazing as the noise and energy out on the course, take a breather if you can (your voice box will thank you!)
- Check out our guide on how to track your runner here.
- Share pictures and videos on social media using #MCRHalf and tagging us so that we can reshare your amazing pictures!
WHERE TO MEET YOUR LOVED ONES AFTER THE #MCRHALF
Reuniting with your loved one after the event is a special moment. Your loved one is likely to be experiencing a lot of feelings after the event – from pride and runner’s high, to feeling emotional, tired (ok, knackered…) and of course, HUNGRY.
We have suggested our Top 6 Repatriation Locations to meet up with your loved one below. Whether you want to continue the post-half high in a buzzing bar or café, 0r get some breathing space in a local park, there are options for every group.*
*We strongly suggest these locations away from the finish line, as it will be exceptionally busy with restrictions, which will not guarantee you a place along the finish line.
(note: the approximate walk / journey time stated is from Trafford Town Hall in the Event Village area).
The Federal brunch spot in Deansgate.
1. Deansgate
Journey time: approximately 15 minutes
Directions: walk to Old Trafford station an take a short trip on the Purple/Green Tram line
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.
2. Chorlton
Journey time: approximately 20 minutes
Directions: walk to Trafford Bar station and take a short tram journey on the Pink Line / Navy Line to 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.
Chorlton High Street.
3. City Centre
Journey time: approximately 18 minutes
Directions: walk to Old Trafford tram station and take a short trip on the Purple Line / Green Tram Line to St Peter’s Square.
Manchester City Centre is a cultural hub, where you can stroll past art galleries, museums and the Central Library. There are of course plenty of food and drink options here, for quick bites and longer lunches.
4. MUFC Café
Journey time: approximately 13 minutes
Directions: walk to Old Trafford tram station and take a short trip on the Purple Line / Green Tram Line to St Peter’s Square.
Whether or not you're a Manchester United supporter, the Red Cafe at Old Trafford Stadium is a well-loved and convenient meet-up spot which is close to the finish line. The Red Cafe has a casual feel and is well-reviewed for its large, tasty portions, offering options for everyone (even the fussy ones!)
MUFU Café at Old Trafford.
5. 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?
Journey time: approximately a 15 minute walk
6. 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.
Journey time: approximately a 6 minute walk
RUN PUMA HOUSE
For a limited time, PUMA are bringing their Run PUMA House to Deansgate. Whether you need to purchase any last-minute essentials before race day or want to trial your next pair of PUMA running trainers, PUMA will be there to help. Make sure to head down as PUMA is offering a 15% discount across items in store.
As an exclusive reward for Manchester Half finishers, PUMA are offering 30% off all items in store as well as the chance for finishers to receive a complimentary pair of personalised sliders when they present their medal. There is a limited quantity of sliders available, so don’t miss out!
Location – 243 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 4EN
Timings:
Saturday 14th October: 9:30 to 19:00
Sunday 15th October: 8:00 to 19:00
