Next race
Sunday, 18 April 2027
9:00 am start
Distance
42.195 km / 26.2 mi
Urban road
Elevation
Rolling · 55 m gain
55 m climbing
Race profile
The Manchester Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 28k finishers on an urban road in Manchester, United Kingdom. The course starts and finishes at Old Trafford. One of the UK's fastest courses, with no significant hills.
Manchester Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
Approximately 28k finishers
Course & terrain
The Manchester Marathon is a flat out-and-back course starting and finishing at Old Trafford, running through Trafford, Sale, and Altrincham before retracing its steps. With no significant hills the course stays quick and easier to pace, while the repeated roads can feel tougher late on; spectators are strongest near Old Trafford and through Sale and Altrincham.
The Manchester Marathon course is rolling over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 55 metres of climbing and 55 metres of descent, with minimal net elevation change from start to finish.
Rolling · 55 m gain — approx. 51 m above sea level
↑ 55 m · ↓ 55 m · net 0 m
Registration
Manchester is widely regarded as one of the faster marathons in the United Kingdom. Its extremely flat course through Greater Manchester's suburbs, combined with a large and well-organised field, produces good conditions for personal bests and Good For Age qualifying times for events like the London Marathon.
Getting there
Manchester, Greater Manchester (MAN)
Manchester Airport
15 km / 9 mi
Race footage
Common questions
Official resources
Last updated 11 October 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Close to this race
Other races closest to Manchester.
The Chester Marathon attracts about 5,000 finishers each October through England's Roman walled city. The course passes the Eastgate Clock, Chester Cathedral, the Roman walls, and the Dee River on flat Cheshire terrain. October autumn weather and the historic Roman-heritage setting make it one of northwest England's most popular marathons.
Next race: Sunday, 2 May 2027
The Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon honours the Leeds Rhinos rugby league legend and MND campaigner, drawing approximately 4,380 finishers each May through Yorkshire's largest city. The course passes Kirkstall Abbey, Roundhay Park, and the Leeds city centre before finishing outside Headingley Stadium. May's Yorkshire spring and enthusiastic local crowds make it one of northern England's most emotional community marathons.
Next race: Sunday, 9 May 2027
The Yorkshire Marathon attracts about 6,500 finishers each October on a scenic loop through the Yorkshire Wolds and York city centre. The course passes York Minster, the medieval city walls, and the rolling East Yorkshire countryside. October autumn colours and a fast but rolling profile make it one of England's most popular autumn marathons.
Next race: Sunday, 18 October 2026
The Marathon Eryri draws approximately 2,500 finishers each October on a mountain road in Llanberis, United Kingdom. It is one of the UK's iconic tough road marathons and rewards strength more than pace ambition. The course passes mountain lakes, steep Welsh road sections, and dramatic Snowdonia views almost throughout. Expect significant climbs on this hilly course.
Next race: Saturday, 24 October 2026
The Shakespeare Marathon draws approximately 1,153 finishers each April on a historic town and rural road in Stratford-upon-Avon, United Kingdom. Its literary branding gives it one of the clearest thematic identities in UK marathon running. The course passes the River Avon, Shakespeare-linked town landmarks, and Warwickshire village roads. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.
Next race: Sunday, 4 April 2027
The Milton Keynes Marathon draws about 4,000 finishers each May through Britain's planned new-town city of redways and roundabouts. The course follows the linear park system, passes the Xscape dome, and uses the wide boulevards and traffic-free redways that define Milton Keynes. May spring weather and a flat, fast course make it popular with runners chasing personal bests in the Home Counties.
Next race: Sunday, 2 May 2027
Planning guides
Practical guides to help you plan, train for, and run this race.
What flat, rolling, and hilly really mean — and how to read elevation gain, net change, and altitude on a marathon course.
How temperature, humidity, wind, and rain affect marathon performance — and how to use typical race-day weather when choosing a start line.
Match a race to your goals — personal bests, sightseeing, atmosphere, or a major milestone — using course data and realistic expectations.
