In an action-packed and record-breaking weekend, the Manchester Half returns this Sunday 13th October 2024, with its largest-ever field of 24,000 participants gearing up to take on the challenge. The largest half marathon in the North West has gone above and beyond for its tens of thousands of supporters, with new ways for them to get involved and enjoy the experience.
Whether you’re a local, travelling from further afield, or tracking your participant at home, it’s vital that spectators are armed with the information they need to make the most of event weekend.
Where to watch in person
There are many spectator hubs along the route, which are perfect for spectators looking to give participants a much-needed boost through the communities of Greater Manchester.
At the 1-mile mark, the PUMA Cheer Zone at the Deansgate Interchange offers spectators the opportunity to watch their loved ones get underway live on the ‘Kick-Off Cam’. Here, spectators can also sing and dance along to a live DJ set, personalise cheer signs, and enjoy the festival-like atmosphere.
Another new supporter zone for this year’s event is the ‘Buzz Hub’ at Wharfside, complete with a DJ and giant inflatable bees to create the signature Mancunian atmosphere. The Buzz Hub also allows spectators to see participants twice as they breeze past the iconic Old Trafford football stadium, home of Manchester United.
Other supporter hot-spots along the course include the foodie-haven of Stretford at mile 5.5 and 10; the tight-knit community of Sale from miles 6.5-9; and the lively Chorlton-cum-Hardy along the final stretch from miles 11-12.
More information about each supporter zone – as well as new interactive maps, local café recommendations and general tips for the day – can be found on the Supporter Hub page here.
Supporting from home
For those who cannot make the event in person, there are still plenty of other supporter options available.
The event will be streaming live footage of the finish line, with a wide view camera set up to showcase every participant as they reach the end of their challenge. Head to their live stream page on event day to watch all the action.
Supporters can also track their participant on the Guide to Tracking Your Loved One page.
The official Manchester Half social media will be regularly updated throughout the weekend, with photos, videos and news updates as the event unfolds.
Charity activations
This year, the Manchester Half has seen a 57% increase in fundraising participants in the space of just one year and an all-time high of over £1 million has now been raised for various charities. This includes hundreds of local and national charities and the overall fundraising figure will continue to rise after the event itself.
This record-breaking group will be taking part for an associated charity, with 50% of the overall number supporting Official Charity Partners: Alzheimer’s Society, Cancer Research UK and The Christie.
To celebrate, there will be many charity cheer points along the route, including the Cancer Research UK Cheerers featuring Rock Choir, The Christie Charity Cheerers featuring a drum band, and the Alzheimer’s Society Charity Cheerers featuring a steel drum band.
More information can be found on the route map here.
RUN PUMA HOUSE
Returning for a second year, RUN PUMA HOUSE will open its doors to participants and spectators on 12th October and 13th October (09:00 – 16:00). It is located at 293 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 4EW.
Alongside the Manchester Half official shakeout run led by the experts at Runna, male course record holder Jack Rowe will also be in attendance sharing his tips and experience with fellow participants and their loved ones who might see themselves taking on the challenge in the future!
There will also be signs ready for supporters to customise and stand out from the crowd, as well as competitions with prizes up for grabs.
Event Village
After the event, supporters can reunite with their participant at one of the recommended Best Places to Meet a Loved One. Alternatively, they can head to the Event Village where, alongside food outlets and a large screen showing the finish line coverage live, there will also be activities from event partners. This includes product sampling at the Applied Nutrition Zone, with complimentary carb and electrolyte sachets to take home, as well as pre-mixed samples of electrolyte drinks.
The highly anticipated 2025 Manchester Half Marathon, taking place on 12 October, will open entries to the public for a limited time beginning Tuesday, 15 October. You can leave your details on the website to access these best price entries ahead of the public opening.
For more information, please visit https://www.manchesterhalfmarathon.com/home/