Manchester Marathon 2026: Everything you need to know
More than 42,000 runners will flock to Manchester this spring for one of Europe's most popular marathons.
www.bbc.co.ukHere are the latest updates on the Manchester Marathon 2026 based on recent reports:
- Entry status: The 2026 adidas Manchester Marathon sold out, with about 40,000 participants securing spots. Charity and charity-raising places remain, but standard entry is closed for 2026. This makes the event one of the largest in its history. [Source: Manchester Marathon official news release]
- Date and finish: The race took place on Sunday, April 19, 2026, with the finish line returning to Oxford Road outside Whitworth Hall, Manchester. Road closures were planned for the weekend surrounding the event. [Source: Manchester Marathon official news and local coverage]
- Start times and schedule: Start times were staggered by group, with Elite runners and wheelchair racers starting earlier (wheelchair around 8:55am, elites around 9:00am), and other groups following in 10-minute windows throughout the morning. If needed, participants could switch to a later start slot. [Source: TimeOut UK event guide and organizers’ notes]
- Attendance and scale: The event drew upwards of 42,000 participants and tens of thousands of spectators, reinforcing its status as the UK’s second-largest marathon. [Source: Official event pages and press coverage]
- What to know for spectators and participants: Expect extensive road closures, marshal support along the route, and opportunities to volunteer or support from the sidelines. Various local guides and university/student pages offer details on disruption and volunteering. [Sources: Manchester Marathon site and local university news]
If you’d like, I can pull a single, concise timeline or create a quick checklist for runners and spectators based on these details. I can also summarize start times and key route sections for a printable handout.