Great Manchester Run 2024 start time, road closures, route and everything you need to know

We’re now just days away from the return of The AJ Bell Great Manchester Run, which will see thousands of runners taking on the 10k and half marathon events. Manchester’s original running event takes place on Sunday, May 26, with start times staggered throughout the morning.

Established in 2003, the run is known for being one of Europe’s biggest 10km races, and as well as those taking part, the two courses will be lined with supporters, turning out to offer a morale support to runners and participants, all while soaking up the atmosphere.

Last year, the popular running event celebrated its 20th anniversary with a number of entertainment zones, and Olympic legend Sir Mo Farah also took part. The four-time gold medallist completed the race for a final time after confirming he would retire from elite competition after the AJ Bell Great North event in September 2023.

READ MORE: Great Manchester Run issues update as half marathon places sell out

Paul Foster, Chief Executive for The Great Run Company, said: “Over 30k runners are signed up to take part in the world-famous Great Manchester 10k and half marathon event on Sunday, 26 May, with over 100,000 spectators expected to line the streets, roaring runners on from start to finish.

“Not only is the event broadcast live on BBC One to millions, there’s an electric atmosphere from start to finish, with live bands, charity cheer points and tens of thousands of supporters cheering along the way.

“Club runners, fun runners and fundraisers share the same streets as the world elite athletes, and will be mixed with with celebs like Gemma Atkinson, Coronation Street and Emmerdale stars running this year – we can’t wait to welcome everyone to the start line next Sunday, 26 May.”

A Junior and Mini Great Manchester Run will also take part at the Etihad Campus the day before (May 25). Those aged between 3-16 will take on a 1.6km dash, while junior runners (9-15) take on a 2.5km challenge.

Ahead of the event, The AJ Bell Great Manchester Run has also started sharing stories about some of the people taking part. Participants include 19-year-old Amelia Thompson, a Manchester Arena terrorist attack survivor who is running for Liv’s Trust in memory of Olivia Campbell Hardy, who was killed in the attack.

Several roads within the city will be affected and road closures and traffic diversions will be in operation on the day. Keep reading to find out all you need to know about the Great Manchester Run 2024.

What route does the Great Manchester Run take?

The 10k and half marathon course take two different routes - with the half marathon an extra 6.9 miles.

As with previous years, the 10k route begins on Portland Street just near the junction with Oxford Road, and continues down onto the A56 towards Old Trafford - taking in Manchester United’s ground and other sites opposite Salford Quays before heading towards Deansgate and the finish line.

The half marathon starts and continues along the same route as the 10k, but turns onto the Mancunian Way, past Manchester Piccadilly and continuing all the way up to Etihad Stadium before looping back into Ashton Old Road and joining the 10k route back down past Old Trafford and back up to Deansgate.

What are the timings for the Great Manchester Run 2024?

Participants will be entered into different waves, you can find the start time for your wave below:

• 7am - Information Point opens

• 8.15am - Elite Wheelchair (10k)

• 8.20am - Orange Wave Start Time (Half Marathon)

• 8.39am - Green Waves start (Half Marathon)

• 11.25am - Elite Women (10k)

• 11.40am - Elite Men (10k)

• 11.40am - Fast Paced & Orange Wave (10k)

• 11.59am - Red Wave (10k)

• 12.02pm - Green Wave (10k)

• 12.45pm - Purple Wave (10k)

• 13.03pm - Pink Wave (10k)

Where are the assembly areas and bag drop?

Coloured signs will direct participants to the assembly and start point for the various waves.

• Princess Street - Half Marathon - Orange wave / 10k - Orange wave and Purple wave

• Charlotte Street - Half Marathon - Green wave / 10k - Red wave, Green wave and Pink wave

• Dickinson Street - Half Marathon - Fast paced (yellow / white stripped numbers) / 10k - Fast paced (yellow / white striped numbers)

Baggage is located at Manchester Central Foyer via the what3words website and will be open from 7am. You will need to fill in the baggage label before leaving the house and secure it to your bag.

You will need your run number to gain access to Manchester Central to drop off and collect your bag, so we can ensure it corresponds to the baggage label. As it is a self-service it is no advised to leave and valuables in your bags.

Your Run Number and timing

Participants run number must be worn on the day and it should match the master number on your covering letter. If you secured your entry after 10am on Friday, 17 May, your run number hasn't been posted and must be collected from the information point.

The timing chip is attached to the back of the run number. Don't remove the chip - it will impact the accuracy of your time.

The chip will automatically record your time and it doesn't need to be returned at the end of the run. Results can be accessed on the AJ Bell Great Run Series App, or on the website.

Where can I watch the runners?

The AJ Bell Great Manchester Run will be broadcast live on BBC ONE from 11am-1pm.

How to travel to the Great Manchester Run

When travelling to the event, organisers recommend using public transport options available on the day. They also suggest visiting the Transport for Greater Manchester website to plan your journey and updates will be available @OfficialTfGM Twitter.

The information point for queries, for anyone who hasn’t received their race number, or race pack collection if you entered after the cut-off date is available at the AJ Bell branded marquee on Great Northern Square on Saturday and Manchester Central Forecourt on Sunday.

It is open on Saturday, May 25, from 10am-4pm, and on Sunday, May 21, from 7am-3pm.

Which roads will be closed for the Great Manchester Run 2024?

Saturday, 25 May:

• Liverpool Road from Deansgate to Barton Street from 5am until Sun 21 11pm

• Tonman Street from Deansgate to Barton Street from 6am until Sun 21 11pm. Access Tonman Street via Barton Street and Longworth Street via Camp Street

Sunday, 26 May:

Roads that will be closed from 4am:

• Chepstow Street: from Oxford Street to Great Bridgewater Street

• Deansgate: from Whitworth Street West to John Dalton Street

• Dickinson Street

• Peter Street: from Mount Street to Street Peters Square

• Portland Street: from Oxford Street to Princess Street

• St. John Street: from Deansgate to Byrom Street

Roads that will be closed from 6am:

• Mancunian Way (East and Wets bound): from Fairfield Street to Regent Road

Roads that will be closed from 7am:

• Alan Turing Way: From Ashton New Road to Ashton Old Road

• A5063 Trafford Road: from White City Circle Roundabout to Salford City Boundary

• A5063 White City Circle

• A56 Bridgewater Way: from Chester Road to Wharfside Way

• A56 Chester Road: from Bridgewater Way to Bridgewater Viaduct

• A56 Chester Road: from White City Circle roundabout to Sir Matt Busby Way

• A5801 Wharfside Way: from White City Circle Roundabout to Salford City Boundary

• Abingdon Street

• Ashton Old Road: from Alan Turing Way to Pin Mill Brow

• Atkinson Street: from Byron Street to Deansgate

• Bloom Street: from Chorlton Street to Princess Street

• Bootle Street: from Deansgate to Southmill Street

• Bridgewater Viaduct

• Byrom Street: from Quay Street to Hardman Street

• Central Street: from Southmill Street to Lloyd Street

• Chepstow Street: from Oxford Street to Great Bridgewater Street

• Chester Road: from Bridgewater Way to Bridgewater Viaduct

• Chester Road: from Mancunian Way Roundabout to Cornbrook

• Chester Road: from Hadfield Street to Bridgewater Way

• Chorlton Road: from Jackson Street to Mancunian Way

• Chorlton Street: from Portland Street to Silver Street

• City Road East: from Albion Street to Great Jackson Street

• Cross Street: from Cross Street to John Dalton Street

• Elevator Road: from Wharfside Way to Trafford Wharf Road

• Ellesmere Street: from Hulme Hall Road to Chester Road

• Fairfield Street: from Ashton Old Road to Mancunian Way

• Great Bridgewater Street: from Oxford Street to Deansgate

• Hardman Street

• Hulme Hall Road: from Ellesmere Street to Chester Road

• Jacksons Row; Lloyd Street

• Major Street: from Sackville Street to Princess Street

• Manor Street: at Mancunian Way

• Midland Street: from Hooper Street to Ashton Old Road

• Minshul Street: from Portland Street to Aytoun Street

• Oxford Street: from Peter Street to Whitworth Street West

• Peter Street: from Deansgate to Mount Street

• Pin Mill Brow: from Fairfield Street to Mancunian Way

• Portland Street: from New York Street to Princess Street

• Princess Street: from Albert Square to Portland Street

• Quay Street: from Deansgate to Byrom Street

• Sackville Street: from Portland Street to Major Street

• Silver Street: from Minshul Street to Chorlton Street

• Sir Alex Ferguson Way

• Sir Matt Busby Way

• Southmill Street; Trafford Road: from Exchange Quay to Trafford Road

• Trafford Wharf Road: from Warren Bruce Road to Trafford Road

• Warren Bruce Road: from Wharfside Way to Trafford Wharf Road

• Wharf End: from Trafford Wharf Road to Trafford Road

Roads that will be closed from 7.30am:

• Albion Street: from Whitworth Street West to Medlock Street

• Medlock Street: from Albion Street to River Street

• Whitworth Street: from Albion Street to Glouce Streeter Street

Roads that will be closed from 8am:

• Ashton New Road: from Rowsley Street to Alan Turing Way

Road re-opening times:

• 11am: Ashton New Road

• 11:30am: Alan Turning Way

• 1pm: Ashton Old Road; Chorlton Road; Fairfield Street; Manor Street; Midland Street; Pin Mill Street; Mancunian Way

• 2:45pm: Albion Street; Medlock Street and Whitworth Street;

• 4pm: Peter Street; Portland Street; Abingdon Street; Bloom Street; Chep Streetow Street; Chorlton Street; Cross Street; Great Bridgewater Street; Major Street; Minshul Street; Oxford Street; Portland Street; Princess Street; Sackville Street; Silver Street and Parker Street;

• 6pm: Dickinson Street; Atkinson Street; Bootle Street; Bridgewater Viaduct; Byrom Street; Central Street; Chester Road; Ellesmere Street; Hardman Street; Hulme Hall Road; Jacksons Row; Lloyd Street; Peter Street; Whitworth Street West; Quay Street; Southmill Street; Deangate. A5063 Trafford Road; A5063 White City Circle; A56 Bridgewater Way; A56 Chester Road; A5801 Wharfside Way; Chester Road; Elevator Road; Sir Alex Furguson Way; Sir Matt Busby Way; Trafford Wharf Road; Victoria Place; Warren Bruce Road; Wharf End; Trafford Road.

• 7pm: Deansgate from Whitworth Street We Street to Peter Street

• 9pm: Street John Street; Liverpool Road 23:00pm: Tonman Street

Parking suspensions:

On-street parking suspensions will be in operation within the city centre for the duration of the events. Most will start at 4am on Sunday, 26 May 2024.

These suspensions will be clearly signed in accordance with Manchester City Council protocol. People are advised not not park cars in any of the parking bays during the period of suspension.

It will be removed for safety by Manchester City Council Parking Control. There may also be a charge to recover an impounded vehicle.

If you live near any of the closed roads and need to use your car on 26 May, it is advised to use alternative parking. Full traffic diversion signage will be in place across all areas affected by road closures.

Event stewards will help traffic and residents wherever possible on the day of the race. They will allow access to and from properties within the road closures whenever it is safe to do so up until 8.15am.

For safety reasons, there can be no access to the course after this time. Roads will be opened as soon as possible.