AJ Bell
Great Manchester Run
AJ Bell Great Manchester Run 2027 Saver Price Entries are now open!
Join us next year on Sunday 23 May for the North West’s biggest and best day of running. Entries are flying so be quick to secure your place before Saver Price entries sell out!
With a 10K or a half marathon distance to choose from, tens of thousands of runners take to the streets of Manchester to take on the city’s most loved AJ Bell Great Manchester Run each year. And in true Mancunian style, it’s a party from start to finish, with a high-energy soundtrack, live music and entertainment zones at every turn – plus, some of the loudest and most enthusiastic local support we’ve seen anywhere in the UK.
What Makes It Great?
Free Great Run Series Event Day Tracking App
Free Training Plans and Support up to Event Day
Get 10% Off When You Refer A Friend
Run Past Some of the City’s Most Famous Landmarks Including Coronation Street and Imperial War Museum
Music and Entertainment to Keep You Motivated
Run Number Personalised With Your Name
Event Information
Frequently Asked Questions
When will I receive my race number for the Great Manchester Run?
Your race number, which contains your timing chip, should arrive from approx. 4 weeks before the run. If you managed to get your hands on a last-minute (on or after 20 May) or overseas entry you’ll need to collect your race number from the information point on the weekend of the event. Information Point location and opening times are in the event guide.
My race number hasn't arrived, where do I collect a replacement?
If your race pack hasn’t arrived by the event weekend, please visit the information point to collect a replacement race number and timing chip. Remember to take proof of your entry with you and/or your booking reference/registration ID. Information Point location and opening times are in the event guide.
Please note: If you secured your place after the cut off date for postage (on or after 20 May), you will need to collect your race pack from our information point. We are unable to send run packs outside of the UK as we cannot guarantee their safe delivery, they are made up ready for collection from our information point at the event.
Where does the Great Manchester Run start and finish?
The Great Manchester Run 10k and half marathon events start on Portland Street, near the junction with Oxford Street, and both races finish on Manchester’s iconic Deansgate. Check out the route maps for more information.
Is the Great Manchester Run route hilly or flat?
The Great Manchester Run half marathon begins with a bit of an incline and finishes on some downward running, whereas the 10k has some downhill near the start and a short incline towards the end. Learn more about how to train for your route in our training section.
How do I track runners at the Great Manchester Run?
Easy – with the free Great Run event day app. Use our accurate tracking feature to help spot family, friends and elites, view official photos and get event updates. Download it here.
Runner information is uploaded right up to the day of the event, so please don’t worry if you aren’t showing as a participant yet. Check again on event day.
I've entered the Great Manchester Run, why aren't showing on the app?
If you’ve recently entered and can’t yet see your details in the app, there’s no need to worry. The app is updated on a regular basis rather than in real time. Your information will appear once your timing chip has been assigned. Your race number will then be posted to you, and the app will update shortly after. Please check back again after a few days, and your details should be visible. If you’re still experiencing any issues, please contact us and we’ll be happy to help.
Can I move to a different wave?
If you wish to move to a slower wave then that is fine, simply assemble with the later wave. You do not need to visit the information point. It is not possible to move to a faster wave. Waves are allocated based on your estimated time and cannot be changed.
Can I leave my bag at the start of the Great Manchester Run?
Yes. This year, the baggage drop can be found in Exchange Hall in Manchester Central – see the event guide for opening times and more info. You’ll need to fill out your baggage label on your race number, detach it and fasten it securely to your bag before you leave home. Then use your race number to collect your bag when you finish.
When will I receive pre-event information for the Great Manchester Run?
You’ll receive a series of emails in the run up to the event, including a ‘One Month To Go!’ email that includes the Great Manchester Run Event Guide which has everything you need to know. It’s also available here on the event page (although check again shortly before the event to catch any updates).
Where can I download a training plan for the Great Manchester Run?
We have free 10k and half marathon training plans for all levels on our Training Page. You’ll also find some bespoke information on training for the Great Manchester Run route in our training section.
When will I get my results and event photos?
Access your photos and results straight away on the free Great Run event day app, or here on the website after the event.
What is the minimum age for participants?
AJ Bell Great Manchester Run entries are open to runners aged 15+ (10k) and 17+ (Half marathon) on the day of the event.
Useful Links
RESULTS
PHOTOS
ITAB
Official Merchandise
REWARDS
Timetable: 23 May 2027
Provisional and subject to change
Training Tips
View All Training Articles
Know what to expect – your Great Manchester Run route
Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to running. Knowing what to expect on race day—from long, flat straights to key milestones—is the secret to training smart and running with confidence. Whether you’re tackling the 10k or the half marathon, this guide delivers essential route-specific training hacks, local running paths,… Read More.
Where to continue the party after the Great Manchester Run
Every year on AJ Bell Great Manchester Run weekend, we feel the city come alive and our Manchester runners blow us away with their commitment to the party. But who said it had to stop at the finish line? As soon as you’ve got your hands on your… Read More.
A runner’s guide to tapering
The idea of tapering – decreasing your training load in the week or two leading up to a big running event – might sound counter-intuitive, but in this case less really is more. And just about every running authority out there stresses the importance of tapering as a vital part… Read More.
5 Great Tips for Great Run Fundraising
If you’re taking part in an AJ Bell Great Run Series event for charity this year, then you’re going to want to raise as much money as possible to support your cause. That’s why we’ve teamed up with our official online fundraising partner, Enthuse to share five quick… Read More.
Running pace: what’s ‘good’, what’s ‘bad’ and does it even matter?
“What pace should I be running at?” “What’s a good running pace?” “What’s the average time for a half marathon?” If you’ve ever typed these words into Google wondering whether your pace is ‘good enough’, you’re not alone. Even if you started running purely as a way of feeling fitter… Read More.
How To Avoid A Stitch When Running
YOU’RE powering your way through a run or workout when suddenly you are gripped with a stabbing pain that threatens to bring all your efforts to a grinding halt. Sound familiar? Read More.
The Runner’s Guide to Manchester
Here at Great Run, we’ve got a soft spot for Manchester. Every year, we go west to host the legendary Great Manchester Run, with a route that takes in some of the city’s greatest sights and landmarks. And every year, we’re struck by Manchester’s energy, attitude and top vibes. Read More.
How to train for a half marathon
Congratulations – you’ve taken a big step and committed to a half marathon. You’re in good company – half marathons are a popular distance event, and make a perfect next goal to aim for after hitting your 10k stride. There’s no doubt that running 13.1 miles is a challenge, so… Read More.
How long does it take to train for a 10k?
If you’ve signed up for a 10k, huge congratulations. 10ks are the most popular event distance in the UK and make a great step up challenge-wise from a 5k. If you haven’t been well and truly bitten by the running bug, you soon will be…! One of the most daunting… Read More.
RUNNERS IN ACTION
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