Course Map
About this Race
The Manchester Marathon is one of the UK's fastest and most popular races, a flat loop out from the city that has become a favorite destination for runners hunting a personal best. The smooth, gently profiled course and excellent organization make it ideal for even pacing, and it consistently produces strong times across the field. Held in April, it offers typically cool spring conditions and big, friendly crowds throughout the suburbs and city. There are no significant climbs to manage, putting the emphasis squarely on fitness. It suits the PB-focused runner who wants a fast, accessible course and a vibrant Northern English atmosphere.
Course Insight
Manchester is one of the flattest, fastest courses in Britain, a smooth spring loop purpose-built for personal bests with almost nothing in the terrain to slow you. That very flatness is the trap, since nothing externally enforces patience on the open early kilometres. April conditions are usually cool and helpful. With no hills to break rhythm, the day comes down to even pacing and fuelling. Hold back early and the level back half pays you back cleanly.
Difficulty Breakdown
A fast, runner-friendly course.
Course Details
- Course type
- Out-And-Back
- Elevation gain
- 108m
- Elevation loss
- 103m
- Highest point
- 44m
- Lowest point
- 22m
- Net drop
- 5m
- Start
- Near Old Trafford, Manchester
- Cutoff time
- 6h 0m
Course Records
Race History
The Manchester Marathon was relaunched in 2012, reviving a marathon tradition in the northern English city that stretched back decades. Run on a flat, fast course, it rapidly became one of the UK's most popular personal-best destinations, drawing large fields each spring. From its modern revival it grew into one of the country's biggest marathons outside London. Held each April, it now welcomes tens of thousands of runners chasing quick times.
Plan Your Trip
Everything you need to know to get there, get settled, and get to the start line.
- Nearest airport(s)
- Manchester (MAN), Liverpool John Lennon (LPL) & Leeds Bradford (LBA)
- Best area to stay
- The city centre for central hotels near the route, the Northern Quarter for hip, characterful stays, and Salford Quays for modern hotels near Old Trafford.
- Getting to the start
- The start is by Old Trafford; take the Metrolink tram to Old Trafford or Exchange Quay and walk to the start.