The AJ Bell Great Manchester Run is Europe’s biggest 10K and a major half marathon, featuring a high-energy course through the heart of Manchester past iconic sporting and cultural landmarks.<\/p>\n
The AJ Bell Great Manchester Run offers a spectacular tour of one of the UK’s most vibrant cities. Both the 10K and Half Marathon courses begin on Portland Street in the heart of the city centre. Runners in the 10K event head out towards the Quays, passing the iconic Old Trafford stadium, home of Manchester United, and the Imperial War Museum North. The route also takes participants past the famous Coronation Street set at MediaCityUK before heading back towards the city. The Half Marathon route extends even further, incorporating additional miles through the city’s industrial heritage and modern architecture. Both races culminate in a grand finish on Deansgate, where thousands of spectators line the streets to cheer finishers across the line under the shadow of the Beetham Tower.<\/p>\n
The event is scheduled for Sunday, 31 May 2026, with a variety of start times to accommodate the massive field of participants. The Half Marathon waves typically begin early in the morning, with the first waves starting at 08:00, following the Visually Impaired (VI) participants at 07:57. The 10K event follows later in the morning, with elite wheelchair athletes starting at 07:55 and the main 10K waves commencing from 11:45. The race is famous for its “Mancunian style” atmosphere, featuring high-energy entertainment zones, live local bands, and DJs situated every few kilometres to keep motivation high. Participants must be at least 15 years old for the 10K and 17 years old for the Half Marathon. A comprehensive event village is located at St Peter\u2019s Square, providing information and support for all runners.<\/p>\n
Runners return to the Great Manchester Run year after year for its incomparable atmosphere and the incredible local support that the city is known for. It is widely regarded as one of the most inclusive and charitable events in the UK, with the Alzheimer\u2019s Society serving as the official charity partner. Since its inception in 2003, the event has grown into one of the world’s premier 10K races, attracting elite athletes and fun-runners alike. The sense of community is palpable, with “Team Christie” and many other charity groups providing a sea of color and noise. Every finisher is rewarded with a high-quality medal, an exclusive finisher’s t-shirt, and a sense of pride that comes from conquering the streets of Manchester. The event\u2019s seamless organization, from the efficient baggage buses to the post-race “hangout” zones, ensures a stress-free experience for everyone involved.<\/p>\n