Manchester Half Marathon 2026: here is what you need to know

The annual Asics Manchester Half Marathon is being held on 4 October 2026 and the fun starts at 8.55am with the wheelchair race and then the elite athletes.

Due to the race taking place roads will be closed, you can find out all information on road closures here: https://www.manchesterhalfmarathon.com/road-closures/

With the latest weather forecast showing good weather for the race we expect many people coming out to support the runners, some of the runners will be first timers or running first time for a charity and having that bit of support will get them through it much easier.

For those who have raced this distance many times and train properly the 13.1 miles means nothing, for many of the runners on Sunday it will feel more like a full marathon more so if they have not prepared for the race.

Another fact is some people get carried away with themselves maybe deluding themselves into thinking 13.1 miles is not so far and run faster than they normally would at the start, this is a big mistake more so if you have hardly prepared for the race, you will be drained in the first 400 metres.

Keep to a set time per mile that you know you can do no matter how slow it might be! Do not deviate from it unless at the last 200 metres you have enough energy to go a bit faster, relax when you are running, always look to the horizon never drop your head as this alone can steal your energy.

Your arms should be relaxed and moving forward, to run efficiently those arms should not be swinging horizontal, they should be going in the same direction as your legs otherwise you are basically breaking instead of flowing which again will steal your energy.

Having the right equipment is very important, the right trainers/shoes are a must for a better more comfortable experience, the more you pay for something often the better it will be, although of course you can get an expensive pair of trainers cheaper these days, so look around!

For a half marathon a beginner will need a mid foam trainer with stability, and make sure you get the right size as some of these trainers could be slightly smaller so we suggest to buy from a retailer rather than risk getting them online for a race like this, you can then get the same trainers or similar for your training after the race if you wish to continue running.

Wearing the right socks is important, do not buy cheap socks or wear no socks! Buy zero chaffing socks from the big sports brands, they might be expensive for what they are but you will finish the race with zero sores so long as you run in the right sized trainers.

Normal singlet or t-shirt and shorts/tights will be good enough for the race again make sure they are chaffing free! We see often football shirts being worn, although fabrics are more advanced than ever a replica football shirt is heavy and has the badge of the team and often the sportswear logo fully embroidered which is 100% going to cause big sores to your chest areas, only wear the authentic version which is perfect for a half marathon.

Having the right things to eat is also important, no heavy food should be consumed from Friday! Only chicken and pasta meals, no takeaways, tuna salad is perfect, sandwiches and wraps, have very little on Saturday evening and on the day of the race, make sure lots of protein is consumed and drink plenty of water, bring with you some gels or flap jacks, some eat jelly babies during the race which helps with energy.

Lastly good luck to all who are participating and enjoy your race.