Great Manchester Run
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Event overview
The AJ Bell Great Manchester Run takes place in Manchester on 31 May 2026. The event offers two distances: a 10k and a half marathon. Runners travel through city centre streets and pass landmarks including Coronation Street and the Imperial War Museum. The event includes live music and entertainment zones along the route and an event day tracking app for runner tracking and results.
Race details
Both races start on Portland Street, near the junction with Oxford Street, and finish on Deansgate. Entry is open to people aged 15 and over for the 10k and 17 and over for the half marathon on the day of the event. Waves are used for race starts and baggage buses are provided near the start areas (Deansgate for the half marathon; Hardman Street and Jackson’s Row for the 10k). The half marathon begins with a short incline and finishes with some downhill running; the 10k features a downhill near the start and a short incline toward the end. A rolling programme of road closures and traffic diversions will be in operation on event day.
What entrants receive
Participants receive a finishers medal, a finisher t-shirt (optional donation alternative available), a finisher’s bag, and access to official event photos and the Great Run Rewards discounts platform. Race numbers with timing chips are normally sent 1–2 weeks before the event; late or overseas entries must collect numbers on the morning. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.