The adidas Manchester Marathon wouldn’t be the same without its amazing supporters.

In fact, they show participants so much love that we made a dedicated Supporter Hub page to ensure an awesome spectating experience.

We also narrowed down the top places to spectate at the event by speaking to Deputy Course Director Charlie Mussett, who can be found zipping about the course on a motorbike on event day. 

These spots are also great places to meet participants after the event (especially since Charlie recommends that spectators avoid going to the finish line which will be very busy on the day).

Let’s find out more!

1. THE CITY CENTRE

The City Centre is a fantastic place to soak up the atmosphere of the event, with many great food and drink spots close at hand. Head to Deansgate to catch runners at the turnaround point near mile 5 of the event, where the party will be in full swing. There will also be the Buzzin’ Fly-by screen and feel-good music near the turn around point between miles 4 and 5.

2. STRETFORD

Stretford has a fast-growing reputation as a foodie hub, with Stretford Canteen drawing rave reviews for its French-inspired fare.  Around Stretford Mall spectators can see runners passing on their way out between miles 9 and 10 and on their way back in towards the finish as they pass mile 23. Stretford Public Hall across from the Mall will have DJs and a cheer team, and over at the Mall British Heart Foundation and the Cheerleader Society will be whipping up the crowds to cheer runners home. 

3. SALE

Sale is a friendly community full of lively local support and green spaces. Runners pass through Sale on the A56 heading out at 11 miles and come back over the Bridgewater Canal and past the Town Hall after 21 miles  – when fatigue is likely to have set in. There are lots of places to eat and drink around the Waterside and on Northenden Road, making Sale a great base to watch runners head out and back with a spot of brunch in between.

 

4. ALTRINCHAM

Altrincham is the southernmost point on the course where the runners turn between 16 and 17 miles. It has a great variety of independent and big name shops and eating places around the Stamford Quarter and Altrincham Market. Take the tram, which will drop you right in the middle of the loop where you can enjoy the entertainment featuring choirs, DJs and bands. 

5. CHORLTON-CUM-HARDY

Chorlton-cum-Hardy is a leafy suburb known for its independent shops and artisan coffee houses. The atmosphere here will be truly electric on event day, as participants push into the final effort of the challenge between miles 24 and 25. Wilbraham Road and Manchester Road are full of great places to grab a bite to eat, and the nearby Chorlton tram stop makes it easy to get to.

We also asked Charlie about his role on the day, where he’ll be zipping around on the back of a motorbike…

“The route team doesn’t have it as hard as the runners, but we rack up a fair few miles on event day both on foot and on bikes. We’re out from 4am to 7pm making sure everything is in place, volunteers are looked after, and then the route is tidied up as soon as the finish finisher comes through the line. To help us get around we use electric bikes to cover the zones that the course is divided into. I’ve been given an upgrade this year as I’ve now got the whole course to oversee on event day. So, I’ll be in my motorbike gear on the back of a bike driven by a very experienced ex traffic cop, which is very exciting!” 

Thank you Charlie for sharing your top spectator locations and hopefully we’ll catch a brief glimpse of you on the day!