OUR STUNNING NEW FINISH, YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
This feels significant…
Earlier today (Wednesday 16th October 2024) we revealed the big news on our social channels that the adidas Manchester Marathon will boast a new finish line from 2025, located close to the city centre.
Utilising the stunning grandeur of Manchester University as a backdrop, 36,000 people will now reach the climax of their challenge on Oxford Road. The University is renowned for being a hub of innovation and progress, making it a perfect fit for our constantly evolving event, and treating participants and spectators to spectacular surroundings.
We know you might have a few questions, so to try and help we have some further details below.
Photo Credit – The University of Manchester
WHY THE CHANGE?
The short answer is that we believe this will be an elite level finish experience, giving participants an unforgettable moment in spectacular surroundings.
Thousands of our finishers give us feedback after each event, and we spend time reading each response. It was clear that in general people love the adidas Manchester Marathon, but the post-finish experience should be our next focus. You want a better selection of options after crossing the line, and a smoother journey either home or to meet supporters. The new finish location is a direct road to the city centre, with a plethora of bars, restaurants, and shops in the surrounding area in addition to options in our event zones. Transport options are plentiful, with Manchester Piccadilly also just a 15-minute walk away.
A significant change like this is planned over several years, and we investigated various options. Oxford Road was clearly the best all-round of these when considering our needs. Factors included the participant feedback above, but also the many logistical demands, and our desire to have a truly impressive environment that matches other elite marathons round the world.
So overall we’re pretty delighted we get to ensure a continued smooth and well delivered experience on course, whilst having a stunning location steeped in history as our new finish line. We can’t wait to for you to experience it.
WHAT’S THE NEW ROUTE IN FULL?
The majority of the course will remain the same, including locations you tell us are most enjoyable. These include:
- The same start line close to Old Trafford/Manchester United FC
- Altrincham, with its incredible atmosphere
- Other favourites such as Sale, Timperley, Chorlton-cum-Hardy and more
We’ll share the full route map early in 2025, as there are still a few specifics unrelated to the new finish that we are working on with stakeholders. Those local to Manchester might know about the significant roadworks around Deansgate for example. For these areas we have various (ultimately quite similar) options and are working as usual with helpful local stakeholders to ensure the best for everyone.
WHAT HAPPENS TO MY BAG NOW?
In previous years you dropped and collected your bag at the same location, as the start and finish were both in Old Trafford. For 2025 we will have a new solution, similar to other major running events, where any bags will be transported to the finish for you. We’ll share full details directly with participants as we get closer to the event.
It’s always easiest to travel light, and where possible we encourage you to leave items with a friend or family member, avoiding the bag drop altogether as regardless of the solution it can be busy at peak times.
CAN PEOPLE SEE ME FINISH?
With up to 36,000 people taking part in the adidas Manchester Marathon, and over 100,000 spectators, it’s not possible for everybody to be at the finish line in person. We will however share details of how to best follow friends and loved ones closer to the event day.
This will include (but is not limited to) a live stream of all finishers online, personalised tracking through our website, and supporter zones on the route. We’ll be publishing a fully updated and incredibly useful supporter guide a few weeks in advance, which will contain everything you and your followers need to know.
View this post on Instagram
I LIVE OR WORK NEARBY, HOW WILL THIS IMPACT ME?
Hopefully the marathon will have a really positive impact on you and local businesses in the area, but we understand you might have some questions.
We’ll be sharing more details on road closures and services available as they are confirmed. To ensure you are kept up to date visit our dedicated page, where you can also join a mailing list to receive details directly.
CAN I TAKE PART OR BE INVOLVED?
Demand for the adidas Manchester Marathon is incredibly high, and at the time of writing the final 10% of public places were due to be released that afternoon (Wednesday 16th October). To get the latest on availability for both public and charity places head to this page.
We have an incredible team of volunteers, and are looking for new people to join them on event day. Volunteers help with crucial jobs such as water handouts, bag collection, and much more. To find out more and register your interest head to our Volunteer Page.
JUST TO CHECK, THE NEW COURSE WILL BE THE CORRECT LENGTH?
To get ahead of that joke, yes absolutely the new route will be measured and ratified to ensure it is exactly the correct length. Locals should look out for handsome officials in high-vis wielding measuring wheels over the coming months.
As usual, we’ll post the certificate on our website in advance of the event.
WHAT ABOUT THE MANCHESTER HALF ROUTE?
No final decisions have yet been made about the 2025 Manchester Half course, but much like the marathon we will be looking at all the feedback from the recent event to ensure next year is the best yet.
It sells out quickly, but if you want to participate in the 2025 Manchester Half (Sunday 12 October) there is currently a great value launch window open.
View this post on Instagram
I HAVE OTHER QUESTIONS…
We love your enthusiasm. Other general event questions are likely to be covered in our general FAQs found here.
We’ll be sharing lots more information on the new finish early in 2025. Make sure you’re following us on social media for the latest. Thanks for reading!