Manchester Marathon
Manchester, United Kingdom · Mid-April
Flat, fast, and enormous for a non-major — the PR course of British running. Wide roads through Trafford and Sale with a finish by Old Trafford, and a field full of people chasing times rather than sightseeing.
Course
Elevation gain
60 m
Net elevation
Flat
Finishers
~24,000
Month
April
Mid-April
Race-day weather
Median start temp
8°C
Historical range
4–15°C
Hot-year risk
Low
Northern English April: cool, grey, occasionally damp. Almost never too warm to race.
Getting in
Sells out fast. The UK's fastest big marathon sells out months out — the standard answer when the London ballot says no. Official site ↗
Pacing plans for Manchester Marathon
Course-adjusted splits for every common goal — not flat even splits, but pacing that matches where this course is fast and where it bites.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Manchester Marathon a fast course?
Yes — it is one of the fastest marathon courses in the world. The course has 60 m of total elevation gain and no net drop. We rate it 9/10 for PR potential.
What is the weather usually like at the Manchester Marathon?
The median start-line temperature is around 8°C, with a historical range of roughly 4–15°C. Northern English April: cool, grey, occasionally damp. Almost never too warm to race.
How do you get into the Manchester Marathon?
Sells out fast. The UK's fastest big marathon sells out months out — the standard answer when the London ballot says no.
Is the Manchester Marathon a Boston qualifier?
Yes — the Manchester Marathon is a certified course accepted by the B.A.A. for Boston qualifying times.