Official participant guide for the AJ Bell Great Manchester Run.
SUNDAY 31 MAY 2026
Event guide
It’s time to get run-ready!
The big day is just around the corner and we can’t wait to see you!
We want to help answer your event day questions so you can focus on the important things, like soaking up the atmosphere, enjoying your run and getting ready for that all-important finish line feeling! We highly recommend getting involved with our amazing online community where you can keep on top of exciting event updates, competitions, and exclusive announcements.
Don’t forget to share your training runs, pre-event excitement, medal selfies, post event celebrations and event day pics on social.
Follow us on social and be part of the community and conversation
@GreatManchesterRun
@great_run
GreatRunTV
Great-Manchester-Run
great_run
The AJ Bell Great Manchester Run will be broadcast live on BBC Two from 11am –1pm.
Get event day information at your fingertips, and share your run progress with friends and family with our live tracking app. Simply download the FREE Great Run app (available on iPhone and Android) and you’ll have access to live tracking, results, and opportunities to donate to runners’ chosen charities.
DOWNLOAD HERE
MANCHESTER, FEEL GOOD ABOUT YOUR FINANCES
Investing is a marathon, not a sprint. But it’s always nice to have a little push to start. That’s why, when you open and pay into a new Pension, ISA or Lifetime ISA with us, we’ll give you a reward to take your training up a notch – a sports gift card worth up to £200.
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Capital at risk. Offer ends 30 November 2026. Minimum deposit required. T&Cs apply.
Contents
5 - 11
Key info
12 - 16
At the start
17 - 21
Course info
22 - 27
At the finish
28 - 30
Post-event
31 - 32
Recycling
33 - 35
Tips & advice
5
Timetable
07:00 07:15
INFORMATION POINT OPEN (ST PETER’S SQUARE)
START ASSEMBLY AREA OPEN (HALF MARATHON) FAST PACED, ORANGE, GREEN, & PINK WAVES WARM UP STARTS (HALF MARATHON) FAST PACED, ORANGE, GREEN, & PINK WAVES
07:45
07:55 ELITE WHEELCHAIR ATHLETES (10K) START 08:00 HALF MARATHON FAST PACED & ORANGE WAVE START
08:09 HALF MARATHON GREEN WAVE START 08:34 HALF MARATHON PINK WAVE START 08:50 ASSEMBLY CLOSES 11:00 LIVE ON BBC TWO 11:00
START ASSEMBLY AREA OPEN (10K) FAST PACED, ORANGE & GREEN WAVES
11:30 10K ELITE WOMEN START 11:32 WARM UP STARTS (10K) FAST PACED, ORANGE & GREEN WAVES 11:45 10K ELITE MEN, FAST PACED & ORANGE WAVES START 12:05 10K GREEN WAVE START 12:25 START ASSEMBLY AREA OPEN (10K) PURPLE & PINK 12:40 WARM UP STARTS (10K) PURPLE & PINK 12:50 10K PURPLE WAVE START
13:00 LIVE BBC SHOW ENDS 13:10 10K PINK WAVE START 13:30 ASSEMBLY CLOSES 16:00
EVENT SITE AND INFORMATION POINT CLOSED
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6
Travel
There are plenty of ways to get to and from the event, and we highly recommend using public transport where possible. You can plan your journey on the Transport for Greater Manchester website (TfGM) , and check for any live and planned disruptions by following @ BeeNetwork on X, or online here .
Nearest tram stations to the start
Info point located within St Peter’s Square Approx. 5-minute walk to baggage area Approx. 5-minute walk to assembly area
St Peter’s Square
Approx. 12-minute walk to info point and baggage area
Piccadilly Gardens
Approx. 7-minute walk to assembly area
Approx. 9-minute walk to info point and baggage area Approx. 15-minute walk to assembly area
Deansgate-Castlefield
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7
Travel
Plan your journey in advance and leave plenty of time to get to the start line, as there will be a number of road closures in place for the weekend. You can see a full list here . Car parking If you do need to drive into Manchester on event day, you can secure parking in advance with JustPark here . If you’re travelling in from outside the city, we’d advise parking further out and using a Park & Ride option to avoid the stress of city centre parking and potential congestion.
Park & ride options
Driving from
Metrolink tram
Approx. travel time
Bury Interchange
30 minutes
North
East Didsbury
25 minutes
South
Ashton Moss
25 minutes
East
Ladywell
20 minutes
West
These options are likely to be very busy, so be sure to plan ahead.
Any travel updates will be added to the website, so please check the event page ahead of the event.
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8
Information point
If you have any last-minute queries about your event, come and see us at the times/locations listed below. We highly recommend coming to see us on Saturday because our information points on Sunday will be extremely busy and there will be queues.
Saturday 30 May
Sunday 31 May
Outside the Library on St Peter’s Sq 07:00 – 15:30
Great Northern Square 10:00 – 16:00
You can also find a bucket of safety pins at our information point should you need any to pin your run number to your top.
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9
Wave & start time
Your wave colour and start time will be sent to you via your pre-event emails, so check your inboxes for the latest information from Great Run. Wave and start information is also on your run number, which will arrive in the post around 3 weeks before the event. Please note: You are not allowed to move to a different wave that has an earlier start time, however you can move to a later start time should you want to run with family or friends. Timing Your timing chip is attached to the back of your run number. Please don’t remove or cover the chip – it will affect the accuracy of your time. The chip will automatically record your time for you, and you don’t need to do anything else. Your chip doesn’t need to be returned at the end of the run.
You can access your results straight away on the Great Run app, or on our website here shortly after the event.
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10
Understanding your number
Your number (example below) indicates: 1. Your wave colour 2. T-shirt opt out status 3. Distance 4.
Baggage label – fill in, tear off and attach to your bags
5. Emergency contact details 6. Vouchers/runner offers 7. Warm up is at: Start time is: Assembly opens at: Your wave is: XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX
Timing chip – please don’t cover or remove
10K VI RUNNERS
11:40
INFO POINT OPENS
07:00
TIMETABLE You have been allocated a wave number, and a wave start time. Please ensure you follow the exact timings given for your wave. See above and on the reverse side of this pack for your details.
10K ORANGE WAVE
11:45
HM VI RUNNERS
07:57
Your AJ Bell Great Manchester Run number has arrived, get ready for an incredible event weekend! But before all that, here’s a checklist to ensure you’re run ready:
10K GREEN WAVE
12:05
HM ORANGE WAVE
08:00
• Check your run number and start time on the back of this letter. Timings are important, so make sure to follow them closely. • Review all event details on our website and in the event guide. Visit greatrun.org/manchester to download the guide and prepare for the big day. • Set up your official fundraising page via Enthuse, our Official Online Fundraising Partner. • Download the FREE Great Run app for the latest updates and ask your friends/family to do the same for live race tracking and and easily receive donations from friends and family. • Keep an eye on your inbox for our final countdown emails. • For any further information, visit greatrun.org/faqs or contact us at greatrun.org/contact . • Explore and order official event merchandise at shop.greatrun.org . • Personalise your medal with an iTAB, showing your race result. Visit greatrun.org/itab for details.
10K PURPLE WAVE
12:50
HM GREEN WAVE
08:09
4
5
6
10K PINK WAVE
13:10
HM PINK WAVE
08:34
GREATRUN APP
Don’t miss your chance to win some exclusive feel-good running prizes - simply scan the AJ Bell QR code and you’ll be entered into the prize draw. It only takes a moment… and you could be one of our lucky winners. Good luck!
You can follow the progress of your loved ones on our new tracking app. Download for free via iTunes or Google Play.
For all you need to know about travel, baggage, training, course maps and start/finish information, take a look online at greatrun.org.
Follow us on socials, share your pics & tag us in your posts at @great_run
The Great Run Company team
SCAN & SIGN UP FOR THE CHANCE TO WIN FREE ENTRY FOR 2027
Personalise Your Medal The iTab will be engraved with your name and time, which then fits perfectly onto the ribbon of your medal.
POWER YOUR PERFORMANCE
Scan the QR Code and order your iTab today.
shop.greatrun.org Shop the Official Great Run Range
Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied & balanced diet, and a healthy lifestyle. Solgar is a registered trademark. OFFICIAL WELLNESS PARTNER 20% OFF SOLGAR VITAMINS AND SUPPLEMENTS Use code at www.solgar.co.uk MAN20 Use code MAN20 for 20% off Solgar range at www.solgar.co.uk only. UK, 18+. Discount code cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. The discount will be applied at checkout to all items purchased within a single transaction. All products are subject to availability. Valid 01.05.26 - 01.08.26. See www.solgar.co.uk for further details and full T&Cs. Promoter: Nestlé Health Science, Nestlé UK Ltd, Nestlé House, Haxby Road, York YO31 8TA
PLEASE DO NOT BRING VALUABLES WITH YOU: BAGGAGE LABEL
PLEASE COMPLETE AND ATTACH TO BAGGAGE PRIOR TO ARRIVAL
MELANIE CURRIE 12345
NAME: HOME TELEPHONE No: MOBILE TELEPHONE No:
Your wave is
Assembly opens
Warm Up
Start Time
• This is IMPORTANT, please check and complete all details below in BLOCK CAPITALS the night before the event. • Only the runner to whom it is registered must wear this run number. The swapping or sale of run numbers is strictly prohibited. • By displaying this number you are agreeing to abide by the terms, conditions and rules of the above event and for your personal contact details to be released to the event organiser and the emergency services in the event of accident or illness. If you want to run with a friend but have been issued different coloured run numbers, organisers ask that you follow a simple rule – runners can move to a wave/zone further away from the start line but cannot move to a wave/zone closer to the start line. For example, a runner with a green run number can move back into the pink wave but not forward into the orange wave. If this rule is followed, there is no need to change the colour of your run number on event day.
MELANIE 12345
RUNNER DETAILS
FIRST NAME: MELANIE SURNAME: CURRIE ADDRESS: NOVA INTERNATIONAL, ALBANY COURT, NEWCASTLE BUSINESS PARK, NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE POSTCODE: NE4 7YB NAME OF THE HOTEL YOU ARE STAYING AT FOR THE RACE (IF APPLICABLE)
EMERGENCY CONTACT DETAILS
MEDICAL / ALLERGY DETAILS
DO YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL CONDITIONS SUCH AS HEART DISEASE, EPILEPSY OR DIABETES? DO YOU HAVE ANY ALLERGIES THAT YOU ARE AWARE OF?
NAME OF CONTACT IN CASE OF EMERGENCY (Who can be contacted on the day of the event)
Yes
No
Yes
No
IS THIS PERSON WITH YOU AT TODAY’S EVENT?
Yes
No
Medical Conditions/Allergies:
MOBILE TELEPHONE NUMBER HOME TELEPHONE NUMBER
HM
Visit greatrun.org for further training and medical advice.
Medication currently being taken:
ORANGE WAVE
MANCHESTER 2026
Scan the QR Code and order your iTab today.
Scan the QR Code to view your event photos.
Front
Back
3
2
7
1
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11
Your run number Once your run number arrives please make sure the first thing you do is fill in the emergency contact details on the back. Your timing chip is already attached to the run number and will activate automatically on the day of the event. Your run number is all you need for event day. You don’t need to register or visit customer services unless you have a last minute query, you need a couple of safety pins, or your run number hasn’t arrived*.
As a polite reminder, please do not swap or give your run number to anyone else.
* If you secured your entry after 10:00 on 20 May , your run number will not have been posted out and must be collected from the information point. We are also unable to send race packs outside of the UK as we cannot guarantee their delivery, so they will need to be collected from the information point.
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12
Start area information
The start line is on Portland Street. Look out for the signage that matches your wave colour on your run number. Check out the start area map for more details.
Take a look below to see which streets will give you direct access to your starting wave.
Access via Dickinson Street Princess Street Charlotte Street
Wave colour HALF MARATHON ORANGE WAVE HALF MARATHON GREEN WAVE HALF MARATHON PINK WAVE 10K ORANGE WAVE & PURPLE WAVE
Princess Street
10K GREEN WAVE & PINK WAVE
Charlotte Street
HALF MARATHON FAST PACED (YELLOW/WHITE STRIPED NUMBERS) 10K FAST PACED (YELLOW/WHITE STRIPED NUMBERS)
Dickinson Street
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13
Half marathon start map
THE OAST HOUSE
HALF MARATHON
PICCADILLY GARDENS TRAM STOP
ALBERT SQ
Hardman Square
SPINNINGFIELDS
MANCHESTER TOWN HALL
ST PETERS SQ
MANCHESTER LIBRARY
ST JOHNʼS GARDEN
GREAT NORTHERN SQ
NATIONAL EXPRESS
EXIT ROUTE
ST PETERS SQ TRAM STOP
ALAN TURING MEMORIAL
START
MANCHESTER CENTRAL CONVENTION COMPLEX
FINISH
CASTLEFIELD URBAN HERITAGE PARK
The Bridgewater Hall
DEANSGATE - CASTLEFIELD TRAM STOP
Great Bridgewater St
OXFORD RD
Whitworth St West
DEANSGATE
KEY
BAGGAGE
EXHIBITORS
MISSING PERSONS
INFO POINT
NO ACCESS
APRÈS RUN ZONE
BIG SCREEN
WATER REFILL
SHOE RECYCLE POINT
TOILETS
FINISHERSʼ BAGS
NO TEE FINISHERSʼ BAG
DJ TRUCK
CHARITY VILLAGE
MEDICAL POINT
MEETING POINT
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14
10k start map
THE OAST HOUSE
10K
PICCADILLY GARDENS TRAM STOP
ALBERT SQ
Hardman Square
SPINNINGFIELDS
MANCHESTER TOWN HALL
ST PETERS SQ
MANCHESTER LIBRARY
ST JOHNʼS GARDEN
GREAT NORTHERN SQ
NATIONAL EXPRESS
EXIT ROUTE
ST PETERS SQ TRAM STOP
SPECIAL RUN NUMBERS ROUTE
ALAN TURING MEMORIAL
START
MANCHESTER CENTRAL CONVENTION COMPLEX
FINISH
CASTLEFIELD URBAN HERITAGE PARK
The Bridgewater Hall
DEANSGATE - CASTLEFIELD TRAM STOP
Great Bridgewater St
OXFORD RD
Whitworth St West
DEANSGATE
KEY
BAGGAGE
EXHIBITORS
MISSING PERSONS
INFO POINT
NO ACCESS
APRÈS RUN ZONE
BIG SCREEN
WATER REFILL
SHOE RECYCLE POINT
TOILETS
FINISHERSʼ BAGS
NO TEE FINISHERSʼ BAG
DJ TRUCK
CHARITY VILLAGE
MEDICAL POINT
MEETING POINT
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15 15
Baggage
New for 2026 Baggage drop will now be located in Manchester Central. Where possible, try and leave bags with family or friends, however if you do need to use the baggage facilities, please take a look at the baggage information below: • Baggage drop-off is located Exhibition Hall, Manchester Central. See the maps for more detail. • There will be a number of baggage pens and tables coded A-Z. Please use the letter that matches your surname. • You’ll need your run number to gain access to the pens to drop off and collect your bag, so we can ensure it corresponds to the baggage label. • Please ensure you arrive with plenty of time as your bag will be checked upon entry to Manchester Central. • Please don’t leave valuables in your bags - this is a self-service system and, although there are security staff present, we can’t accept any responsibility for lost or stolen items.
Please ensure you arrive with plenty of time as your bag will be checked upon entry to Manchester Central.
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16
Toilets
Start area You can find a number of toilets available on a number of streets leading into the start area in and around Portland Street. (see start map) Course There will also be toilets available on the course at each water station on Ashton Old Road (half marathon only) and Wharfside Way (half marathon and 10k). Finish There will be a number of toilets at the finish area near Peter Street and Quay Street, as well as a number of toilets in the event village and charity village.
Please note: Accessible toilets can be found at all of the above listed locations.
Toilet facilities will be busy before and after the run, so please allow plenty of time.
Medical support
Medical facilities will be available near to the start and finish line and will be positioned around the course should you require assistance. Please contact a medic or steward if you need help at any time.
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17
Pacers If you’re looking to achieve your best time on event day, look out for our amazing team of SOLGAR pacers who will be within the waves wearing flying banners to help you on your PB journey. Simply find the pacer with your target time and enjoy the run.
Here are the pacer times for both distances:
In Partnership With
Slower paced participants If you plan to walk/jog/jeff the event, please be aware that if you’re going at a pace that’s slower than 17 minutes per mile you may be asked to continue on the footpath rather than on the road. But don’t worry, the finish line and the teams waiting to cheer you on, will remain in place until our final finisher has crossed the line.
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18
On-course entertainment
Get ready for the buzz of the on-course entertainment, which will keep your feet moving from start to finish.
You can expect a wide selection of music and noise around the route, including banging beats, karaoke anthems, a host of local bands and choirs, orchestras, charity cheerpoints, toe tapping tune trucks, and HUGE support all the way around. And when you hit that finish line, we’ll have a DJ blasting out the celebratory songs to welcome you home and get the post-run party started.
Check out the entertainment map here
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19
Free photo opportunity
We want your event day to be full of “feel good” moments, and thanks to our title partner AJ Bell, all runners will have the chance to claim a free photo. Be sure to look out for the designated photo point on both the 10k course (around 8k) and the half marathon course (around 12 miles), see the entertainment map for details. Remember to display your run number clearly so the team can capture you in action. We’ll follow up after the event with details on how to claim your photo in your post-event email. *While we will do our best to capture everyone there may be a small percentage of runners whose photo is not available. Display your run number clearly for the best chance to get yours.
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Motivation Station
Look out for your shout out at our Motivation Station in the final mile.
To give you an extra boost when you need it most, keep an eye out for our title partner AJ Bell’s Motivation Station in the final mile where you’ll see messages of support from friends, family and supporters displayed on the big screen as you pass by.
Supporters can submit their messages from two weeks before the event (even if they can’t be there on the day).
A link to submit messages will be sent to all runners via email, and shared on social. Your supporters will also find the ‘cheer’ button in the Great Run app when submissions open.
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21
Entertainment map
LOOK OUT FOR...
LOOK OUT FOR...
FREE PHOTO POINT BY AJ BELL MOTIVATION STATION BY AJ BELL FREE PHOTO POINT BY AJ BELL MOTIVATION STATION BY AJ BELL
VICTORIA
VICTORIA
Nexen Tyre foot bridge
Chapel St A6
Chapel St A6
A662
MANCHESTER CITY FOOTBALL GROUND
4
START
FINISH
MANCHESTER PICCADILLY
5
3
3
1
START
FINISH
6
13
2
MANCHESTER PICCADILLY
MEDIA CITY
OXFORD RD
11
10
2
1
SALFORD QUAYS
3
1
9
8
1
2
1
13
7
2
2
3
MEDIA CITY
12
OXFORD RD
5
11
4
10
6
5
10
6
2
1
8
5
9
SALFORD QUAYS
8
1
9
3
8
7
6
11
2
1
7
4
ACTIVATION ZONES
4
7
9
2
3
CHARITY CHEERING ZONE
12
White City Circle
5
4
6
5
1. Manchester Foundation Trust 2. Moya Cole Hospice (St Anns) 3. MIND 4. Macmillan 5. Manchester Uni 6. NSPCC 7. The Christie 8. Henshaw's 9. British Heart Foundation
MANCHESTER UNITED FOOTBALL GROUND
Don't stop me now, I'm spinning around, I've reached U-Turn Tunes and it's almost the final countdown!
These classic dance tracks will have you dancing through this zone as you power towards your goal – expect banging beats and another boost of energy.
10
Expect throwback tunes and blasts from the past as our DJ turns up the volume to keep your legs
6
8
5
9
8
ON COURSE MUSIC
3
7
6
1. Halle Youth Ensemble & Community Choir 2. West End Musical Choir 3. Batala 4. Dobcross Youth Band 5. Singing Striders 6. SambAfriq
11
DISTANCE MARKERS
7
4
Heart will be providing the ultimate party throughout the day! Their awesome DJ truck will give you an extra dose of motivation as you enter the final mile PLUS their live DJ will be pumping out a high energy set in the Apres Run zone. ACTIVATION ZONES
Warm-up those singing muscles and brace yourselves for a kickinʼ karaoke zone with tunes blasting, runners singing & spectators dancing.
4
9
10K Markers Half Marathon Markers
10. Alzheimers Society 11. Cancer Research UK
CHARITY CHEERING ZONE
White City Circle
1. Manchester Foundation Trust 2. Moya Cole Hospice (St Anns) 3. MIND 4. Macmillan 5. Manchester Uni 6. NSPCC 7. The Christie 8. Henshaw's 9. British Heart Foundation
MANCHESTER UNITED FOOTBALL GROUND
Expect throwback tunes and bl from the past as our DJ turns u the volume to keep your legs
ON COURSE MUSIC
CLICK TO VIEW 10K COURSE MAP >
CLICK TO VIEW HALF MARATHON COURSE MAP >
1. Halle Youth Ensemble & Community Choir 2. West End Musical Choir 3. Batala 4. Dobcross Youth Band 5. Singing Striders 6. SambAfriq
DISTANCE MARKERS
Warm-up those singing muscle brace yourselves for a kickinʼ karaoke zone with tunes blast runners singing & spectators dancing.
10K Markers Half Marathon Markers
10. Alzheimers Society 11. Cancer Research UK
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22
Hydration
Drink, throw & GO, GO, GO! Aqua Pura water stations will be situated at key points along the route to help you stay hydrated:
Half marathon only
Mile 3
Water station 1
Half marathon only
Mile 6
Water station 2
9.5 miles (HM) and 4k (10k)
Water station 3
Half marathon & 10k
11 miles (HM) and 6.5k (10k)
Water station 4
Half marathon & 10k
Once you’ve finished with your bottle, throw it into one of the dedicated on-course bins. This helps keep the roads clear for fellow runners and means we can recycle more bottles. The bottles we use are fully recyclable, with flip caps designed to stay attached all the way to the collection point. Drinking or draining the water before throwing it away helps maximise the number we can recycle. We’ve increased the number of recycling bins on the route this year, so keep an eye out for your nearest one and DRINK, THROW & GO GO GO!
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23
To help keep you cool and refreshed on the day, look out for the on- course showers located at the following points on the routes: On-course showers
Ashton Old Road (half marathon only) 6 miles
Wharfside Way (half marathon and 10k) HM - 9.75 miles 10k – 5k
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24
Finish map
THE OAST HOUSE
ALBERT SQ
Hardman Square
SPINNINGFIELDS
MANCHESTER TOWN HALL
THE OAST HOUSE
ST PETERS SQ
MANCHESTER LIBRARY
PICCADILLY GARDENS TRAM STOP
ST JOHNʼS GARDEN
GREAT NORTHERN SQ ALBERT SQ
EXIT ROUTE
n
SPINNINGFIELDS
ST PETERS SQ TRAM STOP
MANCHESTER TOWN HALL
SPECIAL RUN NUMBERS ROUTE
ST PETERS SQ
MANCHESTER LIBRARY
GREAT NORTHERN SQ
NATIONAL EXPRESS
EXIT ROUTE
START
MANCHESTER CENTRAL CONVENTION COMPLEX
ST PETERS SQ TRAM STOP
SPECIAL RUN NUMBERS ROUTE
ALAN TURING MEMORIAL
FINISH
URBAN PARK
START
MANCHESTER CENTRAL CONVENTION COMPLEX
The Bridgewater Hall
FINISH
The Bridgewater Hall
DEANSGATE - CASTLEFIELD TRAM STOP
Great Bridgewater St
OXFORD RD
DEANSGATE - CASTLEFIELD TRAM STOP
Great Bridgewater St
Whitworth St West
OXFORD RD
Whitworth St West
DEANSGATE
DEANSGATE
KEY
KEY
BAGGAGE
EXHIBITORS
MISSING PERSONS
INFO POINT
NO ACCESS
APRÈS RUN ZONE
BAGGAGE
EXHIBITORS
MISSING PERSONS
INFO POINT
BIG SCREEN
WATER REFILL
SHOE RECYCLE POINT
TOILETS
FINISHERSʼ BAGS
NO TEE FINISHERSʼ BAG
DJ TRUCK
CHARITY VILLAGE
MEDICAL POINT
FINISHERSʼ BAGS MEETING POINT
BIG SCREEN
SHOE RECYCLE POINT
TOILETS
NO TEE FINISHERSʼ BAG
CHARITY VILLAGE
MEDICAL POINT
MEETING POINT
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25
Finishers’ packs
After crossing the finish line please keep walking through the finish area towards your finishers’ packs, which are sorted by t-shirt size. Please take the pack that matches your requested t-shirt size.
What’s included in your pack? - Bottle of water - Your medal -
Finisher’s t-shirt (unless you opted out of receiving one)
-
Edible treat*
This area can get very busy, so we ask that you keep moving through the finish area into the event village where you can meet your family and friends.
*Please note the following allergen information: Energy oat bar (white chocolate & macadamia) contains macadamia nuts. Not suitable for those with nut allergies.
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26
T-shirt opt out
If you selected ‘No t-shirt’ at the time of entering the event, you will not receive a finisher’s t-shirt. Please follow the signage to the ‘No t-shirt’ lane. This will be clearly indicated on your running number and there will be volunteers and stewards on hand to help direct you. Warm up is at: Start time is: Assembly opens at: Your wave is: XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX
10K VI RUNNERS
11:40
INFO POINT OPENS
07:00
TIMETABLE You have been allocated a wave number, and a wave start time. Please ensure you follow the exact timings given for your wave. See above and on the reverse side of this pack for your details.
10K ORANGE WAVE
11:45
HM VI RUNNERS
07:57
PLEASE NOTE: If you selected no t-shirt, you cannot take a t-shirt on the day. There are only enough on site for all those who requested one at the time of entering. HM ORANGE WAVE 08:00 HM GREEN WAVE 08:09 HM PINK WAVE 08:34 10K GREEN WAVE 12:05 10K PURPLE WAVE 12:50 10K PINK WAVE 13:10 For all you need to know about travel, baggage, training, course maps and start/finish information, take a look online at greatrun.org. Follow us on socials, share your pics & tag us in your posts at @great_run You can follow the progress of your loved ones on our new tracking app. Download for free via iTunes or Google Play. GREATRUN APP
POWER YOUR PERFORMANCE
Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied & balanced diet, and a healthy lifestyle. Solgar is a registered trademark. OFFICIAL WELLNESS PARTNER 20% OFF SOLGAR VITAMINS AND SUPPLEMENTS Use code at www.solgar.co.uk MAN20 Use code MAN20 for 20% off Solgar range at www.solgar.co.uk only. UK, 18+. Discount code cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. The discount will be applied at checkout to all items purchased within a single transaction. All products are subject to availability. Valid 01.05.26 - 01.08.26. See www.solgar.co.uk for further details and full T&Cs. Promoter: Nestlé Health Science, Nestlé UK Ltd, Nestlé House, Haxby Road, York YO31 8TA
PLEASE COMPLETE AND ATTACH TO BAGGAGE PRIOR TO ARRIVAL
MELANIE CURRIE 12345
NAME: HOME TELEPHONE No: MOBILE TELEPHONE No:
MELANIE 12345
HM
ORANGE WAVE
MANCHESTER 2026
T-SHIRT OPT OUT SIGNAGE
T-SHIRT OPT OUT RUN NUMBER EXAMPLE
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At the finish
After you cross the finish line, why not pop down to the new and improved event village, now located in St Peter’s Square, to celebrate your achievement, and catch up with your friends and family. It’s a great place to celebrate your achievement, meet up with loved ones, and take a look at the partner activities, charities and exhibitors, so make sure you pop down and say hello!
Après Run
The fun doesn’t stop after you’ve crossed the finish line. Continue the high- energy celebrations and embrace the post-run high by stepping into our Après Run Zone where you can take a well-earned rest and soak up the party anthems from our Heart DJ truck.
Charities and partners
Make sure you come down and visit our amazing charities and partners in St Peter’s Square, where there will be a selection of stands offering activities and maybe even the chance to pick up a couple of freebies! Charities attending will be Alzheimer’s Society, The Christie, Macmillan Cancer Support, Manchester Foundation Trust, Mind, North West Air Ambulance Charity, NSPCC, Moya Cole Hospice, Alcohol Change. This year our event village will be located in St Peter’s Square with giveaways and competitions from the AJ Bell Money Matters team, Solgar, Mitchum, Liquid I. V. and SiS as well as cold alcohol-free beers to buy from the Lucky Saint mobile bar.
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Meeting point
Please arrange to meet family and friends at the meeting point on Peter Street. Look for the large A-Z banners and stand by the one that corresponds to the first letter of your surname. See finish map for details.
Missing persons
FINISH
A missing person’s point is located on Southmill Street/Peter Street. If you come across a missing person please contact the nearest event steward, official, or police officer. See finish map for details.
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Fundraising
If you haven’t already, make sure you set up your official fundraising page on Enthuse, our official fundraising platform. Personalise your page with an image, your story and share to friends and family who can donate to your chosen charity. Now is the perfect time to get started on your fundraising journey or have a last push to raise some money for your chosen cause ahead of the big day.
Start your fundraising >
Official photos
Event photos will be going live from the moment you pass a Marathon Photos Live photographer on the course. Don’t forget to check them out here when you finish and share your run number with your friends and family, and they can register to be notified as soon as your photos are available.
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Celebrate with Lucky Saint
After you’ve been to the event village in St Peter’s Square you can go and grab a free pint from our Official Alcohol-free Beer Partner, Lucky Saint. Simply show your medal at one of the participating venues listed on their website.
You can also head to Courts Club for the Lucky Saint afterparty... check out their website to find out more.
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Great Run merchandise
As a reward for all of your hard work, why not treat yourself to some official event merchandise, now available to buy on our online shop .
Choose from a selection of hoodies, tech tops, cotton t-shirts, bobble hats, caps or children’s products, all available in this year’s exclusive designs.
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iTAB
Make your run event more memorable with a personalised iTAB medal attachment. This memento is personalised with your name and finishing time to celebrate your achievement and hold onto those memories even longer!
Click here to pre-order yours today!
Great Run rewards
Great Run rewards gives you access to a selection of fantastic discounts from our official series partners. Visit the Great Run rewards page for discounts, competitions and much more!
Find out more here !
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Recycling
All year round we’re working hard to make our events as sustainable and environmentally friendly as possible. From reducing and recycling single-use plastics, to working with local charities to collect clothing left at our start lines, to making sure our event branding and stock is reused or responsibly recycled - there’s a lot happening behind the scenes to lower our environmental impact.
But to make an even bigger difference, we need your help!
Here are a few simple ways you can help make our events greener:
We ask that you please use the recycling bins on site to discard any waste accordingly.
As part of our sustainability drive, there will be no bottled water at the start area. Please arrive hydrated, or bring your own supply, which you may carry with you while you run.
Water refill points will be located at the start and at the finish (check the maps for more details).
After each water station, look out for the bottle collection points. DRINK, THROW & GO GO GO! Draining any leftover water before you bin your bottle helps us recycle more bottles. If you opt to bring your own standard, single-use plastic water bottle, please make sure you throw it in the clearly marked recycling bins that will be available in the start and finish area.
Together, small changes can make a big impact.
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Shoe recycling & clothing collection
If you have shoes you no longer wear, but are still in good condition, bring them to our shoe recycling points, located at Great Northern Square (Saturday) and St Peter’s Square (Sunday), next to the information points. We welcome all types of shoes that still have life in them. Instead of ending up in landfill, your donated shoes will go to a local charity. This year, all shoes will be collected by the British Heart Foundation to help raise vital funds for their life-saving work. We invite all runners to wear extra layers to keep warm before the race begins. Any clothing discarded in the assembly pens will be collected by our volunteers and donated to the British Heart Foundation.
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Have a happy & healthy run
Please talk to your doctor before the event if you have any long-term health conditions or any health concerns. Don’t run if you feel unwell or have been ill recently. If you experience heart palpitations, light headedness or dizziness, chest pain or tightness, shortness of breath, excessive wheezing, or severe joint and muscle pain during or after your run, this can be a sign of a serious condition. Seek advice on taking part in the event after a bout of flu or gastroenteritis. Don’t be tempted to start just because you’ve collected sponsorship to raise money for charity - staying fit and well is the most important thing.
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Event day tips
Make sure you’re comfortable. Ideally, run in your shoes for around a month before your Great Run.
Stay warm. Bring old clothes to wear on the start line and throw them away when you start (we donate these to charity).
Avoid chafing. Apply Vaseline to any areas prone to chafing – e.g. groin, upper thighs, under your arms, around your bra band or toes.
Protect your skin. Use weather resistant sun cream.
If the first few miles are crowded, don’t tire yourself out dodging in and out. Try to maintain a steady, even pace to help you enjoy the event.
When you finish, collect your bag ASAP. Put on some warm, dry clothing and don’t get cold. Take a drink as soon as you can after crossing the finish line.
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Try to eat some starchy foods within two hours of finishing the event – your muscles can replace energy most efficiently during this post-run window.
Avoid dehydrating alcoholic drinks for 24 hours before you run and make sure you’re fully hydrated before consuming any alcohol post-run.
In the weeks leading up to the event, the colour of your urine is a useful indicator of hydration. Pale straw-coloured water is ideal. During your run, drink when you need to. Don’t take big gulps if you’re not thirsty – you could put yourself in a condition called hyponatraemia where your body salts become diluted, possibly causing confusion and vomiting.
Make sure you know where the drink stations are on route. Water will be available, but only take a drink if you need one.
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The weeks of training all come down to this. Take on the AJ Bell Great Manchester Run. Soak up the atmosphere, smash the distance and enjoy that unbeatable finish line feeling. Then why not give yourself the chance to do it all again next year?
Run at least 10km in May Log your miles, complete your AJ Bell Great Run and you'll be entered into our prize draw WE DARE YOU TO
THE PRIZE 1
HOW IT WORKS
A place in the 2027 AJ bell Birmingham Run
1
Join Brooks Run Club
Opt-in to the AJ Bell Great Run Dare Run at least a 10KM run in May; your half marathon will count
2
2
Brooks running shoes
3
3 4
Brooks apparel
YOU’RE IN THE DRAW
TAKE THE DARE
FUEL YOUR BODY
Good Luck and
OFFICIAL WELLNESS PARTNER
From early morning miles to nish-line ights.
from the AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run team and our partners
Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied & balanced diet, and a healthy lifestyle. Solgar is a registered trademark. Vitamin B6 contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism.
GIVE IT SOME NORTHERN BOTTLE
O
FUEL YOUR FASTEST YET Smart fuelling can elevate performance, endurance and recovery. Get your nutrition strategy right with Science in Sport and unlock your full potential on race day.
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YOUR FINISH LINE SAVIOUR
Visit our Lucky Saint Van in the event village for refreshing post-race pints
THE OFFICIAL BEER OF
ALCOHOL FREE | 0.5% ABV
Thank you
You’re amazing! Progress is only made possible by the extraordinary efforts of people like you. Thank you to all our supporters - you’re helping to power research! It’s not too late to join our team and help beat cancer. Sign up today at cruk.org/team
Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247) © Cancer Research UK 2025
Good luck and enjoy your day!
from the AJ Bell Great Manchester Run team and our partners
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