AJ Bell
Junior & Mini Great Manchester Run
The AJ Bell Junior & Mini Great Manchester Run is back on 22 May 2027! This year’s event sold out in record time, so be quick to secure your spot for 2027.
Make some noise for one of the biggest – and, in our humble opinion, best – kids’ running event in the North West! Get the whole family involved in the AJ Bell Junior and Mini Great Manchester Run, where our youngest runners (3-8) take on a fun and frenzied 1.6km dash, whilst our junior runners (9-15) take on a 2.5km supercharged sprint at the Manchester Regional Arena, Etihad Campus.
Mini entrants (3-8 yrs) must run with an accompanying adult, each child should be entered into the event. Junior entrants (9+) do not need to be accompanied by an adult although this can be requested upon entry if required, each child should be entered into the event.
What makes it Great?
Safe and secure route on closed roads
T-shirt for kids to run in and shiny finisher's medal
Photo opportunities & official event photos to purchase
On course music and entertainment
An unforgettable finish line experience
Plenty of cheers & high fives from local supporters
Event village with exhibitors, food and drinks to enjoy post run
Event Timetable: 22 May 2027
Please note: Provisional timetable is subject to change.
Event Information
FAQs
Do I have to run with my child?
Mini Great Manchester runners (aged 3-8) will need a grown-up to run with them. When you receive your race pack, you’ll find a bib inside for the accompanying adult to wear on race day. Junior entrants (aged 9-15) can run on their own.
Can I choose to run with my child?
Yes! Junior runners (aged 9-15) don’t have to run with an adult, but you can choose to run with your young person if you want to. Simply tick the box on the entry form saying that you’d like to run with them and wear the accompanying adult bib included in your race pack.
If your young runner is aged 3-8 (Mini and Family events), an accompanying adult must run with them.
Where does the Junior and Mini Great Manchester Run start and finish?
The Junior and Mini Great Manchester Run starts and finishes in Manchester Regional Arena, Etihad Campus.
Please check the start time for your wave and your route to the event in advance. Don’t forget to leave plenty of time for assembling and warming up!
When will I get my run number?
You’ll receive your run number in your running pack from approx. 4 weeks before race day. Once this lands, you’ve got everything you need, and you won’t need to visit Information Point on event day.
Simply attach your number to your running top (or brand new t-shirt included in your race pack) with safety pins and that’s it – you’re good to go! For Junior runners, your run number includes a timing chip which will generate your result.
If you haven’t received a pack or entered late, you’ll need to visit the Information Point on event day. Accompanying adult bibs can also be collected from here if you haven’t received one.
Will there be any toilets or nappy-changing facilities?
There are no dedicated Great Run toilet facilities. However, given the city centre start and finish, there are a number of public toilet and baby change facilities nearby – please check ahead. Full details will be in your event guide.
Will there be anywhere to leave bags or get changed?
Unfortunately, we’re not able to provide any baggage storage or changing facilities. Please come ready to run and with minimal belongings.
What’s included in the entry fee?
Mini and Junior runners get an exclusive t-shirt to run in, a shiny medal and some tasty snacks at the finish line.
Are children timed at Junior and Mini events?
Juniors (aged 9-15) will receive a run number with a timing chip attached. At the end of the race, they can check their accurate finish time on the results page here on the website. Mini runners (aged 3-8) aren’t timed – they just need to concentrate on having fun!
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Useful Links
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Official Photos
Junior Results
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