Manchester, UK - 20 October 2019: St Peter's Square Tram Stop showing both platforms


Manchester Marathon


The Manchester Marathon: An Epic Challenge Awaiting

 

Manchester Marathon Circuit

The 26.2-mile Manchester Marathon course provides participants with a scenic tour of the city. Starting and finishing in the shadows of Old Trafford football stadium, home to Manchester United, the route heads south through the cities of Trafford, Sale and Altrincham.

 

After leaving Old Trafford, runners pass the Imperial War Museum North and follow the Bridgewater Canal towpath through the affluent suburbs of Timperley and Altrincham. The halfway point is reached just after crossing the Manchester Ship Canal at Warburton Bridge, with the route then doubling back through Dunham Massey Deer Park before returning to the city centre.

 

Key sights encountered over the closing stages include the Manchester United football ground, Salford Quays, Beetham Tower, Manchester Town Hall and the finish outside the Lancashire County Cricket Club. With minimal elevation change, the fast, flat course provides runners with the chance to set new personal best times.

 

How to Enter the Manchester Marathon Ballot

The Manchester Marathon is one of the most popular marathons in the UK, with over 20,000 runners taking part each year. Due to high demand, entries are allocated by ballot, so runners must go through a process to secure a coveted spot on the start line. Here is a step-by-step guide to entering the Manchester Marathon ballot.

 

Check Entry Requirements

Before entering, all runners should check they meet the Manchester Marathon entry criteria. These requirements ensure entrants can comfortably complete the marathon course within the event timings. Key requirements are:

  • Minimum age of 17 years on race day
  • Achieved a half marathon time of sub 2 hours 45 minutes in the last two years

Register Online Entry Account

Entrants must first register their details with the official Manchester Marathon online entry system. This creates your account profile allowing you to enter the ballot. Visit manchestermarathon.com and click the Entrant Sign Up button. Fill in all mandatory fields including, name, date of birth, and email address. Tick boxes agreeing to terms and conditions. Don’t forget your password.

 

Enter the Ballot Before the Deadline

A six-week window opens allowing runners to enter the ballot for guaranteed consideration. The deadline is clearly stated on the event website. Log back into your entry account, click to enter ballot and submit payment details. The fee covers your entry if successful. If unsuccessful, you can roll the entry forward to the next year or request a refund.

 

Consider Charity Entry

As an alternative to the ballot, runners can apply for charity places. This guarantees entry in return for committing to raise a minimum sponsorship amount. Search the Manchester Marathon charity partner options to find a cause that inspires you.

 

Receive Ballot Notification

In March all runners entered into the ballot will be informed if they have been successful via email and on their marathon dashboard. Review junk folders carefully so as not to miss this crucial notification. If entry is confirmed, celebrate and start training! If you are unsuccessful commiserations but you can try again next year or consider a charity place.

 

Optimal Preparation for Marathon Success

Thorough preparation in the months before the big day is crucial to completing the 26.2-mile Manchester Marathon course. Follow these optimal training, nutrition and lifestyle tips to get Manchester Marathon ready:

  • Structured Training → Train for 16-20 weeks using a gradual structured programme. Blend long slow runs, intervals, hill reps and cross-training. Build weekly volume to a peak of 40-50 miles over 3-4 sessions.
  • Add Speedwork → Add tempo runs, fartlek sessions and marathon pace efforts into weekly training. These help to increase the speed and efficiency needed to sustain race pace.
  • Strength and Mobility → Core and glute exercises build essential strength and power. Pilates, yoga and foam rolling boost mobility helping runners stay injury-free.
  • Test Race Pace → Enter a shorter tune-up race 4 weeks out from marathon day. Aim to run this at your target marathon pace to practice sustaining speed.
  • Dial-In Nutrition → Calculate carb and energy needs for daily training phases. Practice race day nutrition on long runs. Carry supplies to fuel every 45-60 minutes.
  • Stay Hydrated → Increase daily water intake in preparation. Little and often is best for hydration. Use long runs to trial different sports drinks.
  • Rest and Recovery → Listen to your body and take rest days when needed. Utilise massage, ice baths, compression wear and sleep to promote training recovery.
  • Taper Period → Begin tapering 3 weeks out by reducing training volume by 30-50%. This sheds fatigue and brings the freshness needed for peak marathon performance.

The Manchester Marathon: Final Preparations

With race day fast approaching, runners should tick off these final jobs to ensure smooth participation in the Manchester Marathon.

 

Administration & Logistics

  • Check all admin details are registered correctly e.g. start wave, name spelling etc
  • Print off final race day instructions email
  • Study route map, road closure info and spectator access points
  • Book city centre accommodation if required
  • Organise transport for getting to the startline

Kit Prep

  • Lay out the entire race day kit and check for any issues
  • Try on race shoes and apparel to check comfort and fit
  • Charge GPS watch, headphones and any other electrical gear
  • Pack kit bag with supplies - gels, drinks, phone, cash, foil blanket etc

Physical Prep

  • Easy running, stretching and foam rolling in the final taper week
  • Book sports massage early in the week to loosen muscles
  • Trial any new nutritional products before race day
  • Ensure hydration levels are topped up in the days before

Mental Prep

  • Visualise successfully executing your race plan
  • Practice relaxation techniques to control pre-race nerves
  • Recall your "why" - your motivation and reasons for taking part
  • Remind yourself of any mantras and positive self-talk phrases

Good luck conquering the Manchester Marathon!

 

Spectating on Manchester Marathon Day

The Manchester Marathon is a highlight of the city's events calendar, with over 20,000 runners tackling the iconic 26.2-mile route through the streets of Greater Manchester. For supporters, spectating on marathon day is an uplifting, fun experience to be part of. This guide covers the best marathon spectating tips and information.

 

Best Spectator Points

The Manchester Marathon course offers many excellent vantage points to view runners at no cost and soak up the electric atmosphere. Here are prime spots for supporters:

  • Start Line - Old Trafford Stadium → The excitement builds as runners walk to the start pens with dramatic intro music! Catch the mass start as 20,000 runners begin their epic challenge.
  • 6 miles - Altrincham town → A sharp turnaround point close to the half marathon split. Perfect place to spot your runner early on as faster marathoners overtake the half entrants
  • 13 miles – Dunham Massey → This picturesque country park offers a unique, almost Paris Marathon feel. Plenty of grassy spots make it easier for families and children. Deer roaming nearby too!
  • 20 miles – Salford Quays → The run through Media City, over the bridge spanning the Manchester Ship Canal is an iconic point late into the marathon. Look out for runners digging deep as fatigue sets in.
  • Finish Line – Lancashire Cricket Club → The home straight has an electrifying atmosphere as runners turn the last corner to complete their 26.2-mile journey. Sprint to the finish with your runner!


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