England’s Biggest 10K Takes Over Manchester This Sunday
The Great Manchester Run 2026 is set to transform Manchester City Centre into Europe’s most electrifying running festival this Sunday, 31 May, with a record-breaking 38,000 participants lining up for the prestigious AJ Bell-sponsored event.
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With an estimated 150,000 spectators expected to pack the streets, this year’s event marks the biggest Great Manchester Run weekend ever, featuring junior races on Saturday and the main 10K and half marathon on Sunday.
greatrunEvent Overview: Everything You Need to Know
Key Event Details
- Event: AJ Bell Great Manchester Run (10K & Half Marathon)
- Date: Sunday, 31 May 2026
- 10K Start Time: 11:30 AM BST
- Half Marathon Start: Around 08:30 AM BST
- Venue: Manchester City Centre (Start: Portland Street, Finish: Deansgate)
- Participants: 38,000 runners this Sunday, 40,000+ across the weekend
- Spectators: 150,000 expected
The fully closed-road course winds through Manchester’s most iconic landmarks, passing Old Trafford, Etihad Stadium, the Imperial War Museum, and Salford Quays before a grandstand finish on Deansgate.
jointherunWhere to Watch: Live Stream & TV Broadcast
UK sports fans can catch all the action through multiple viewing options:
- TV: BBC Two broadcasts live from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM BST
- Live Stream: Finish line stream available from 8:00 AM on the GreatRunTV YouTube Channel
- FloTrack: Full live stream starting 31 May on FloSports Mobile App and Smart TV
- Official App: Track multiple runners in real-time with split intervals and pace data
Match Preview: Record-Breaking Weekend Ahead
This year’s Great Manchester Run weekend is shaping up to be historic, with over 40,000 runners set to take part across Saturday and Sunday. The Junior & Mini events on Saturday 30 May at Sportcity will feature around 2,000 participants aged 3-15, started by stars from the TV show Gladiators.
greatrunThe main Sunday event features world-class athletes alongside everyday runners, with the 10k race standing as Europe’s largest of its type since the event’s establishment in 2003. The half marathon, added in 2017, is now sold out, but limited 10K places remain.
en.wikipediaFamous Faces at the Starting Line
Among the 38,000 runners hitting Manchester’s streets are celebrities from Traitors, Racers, soap operas, and a music legend, making this year’s starting line-up one of the most high-profile in the event’s history.
greatrunKey Players & Athletes to Watch
While the full elite athlete list continues to be announced, the Great Manchester Run has historically attracted world’s leading athletes competing alongside the masses. The event’s reputation for elite competition combined with community spirit makes it a favourite among professional distance runners.
greatrunWhat Makes This Race Special
- Fully Closed Roads: Complete road closures for most of the day ensure a safe, fast course
- Electric Atmosphere: 150,000 spectators create some of the loudest, most passionate support in UK running
- Live Music & Entertainment: High-energy entertainment zones throughout the route
- Charity Focus: Hundreds of charities benefiting from runner fundraising
Essential Race Day Information
-road Closures & Transport
Major routes will be closed for most of the day, with large crowds anticipated throughout Manchester. Spectators should plan ahead and use public transport where possible.
bbcRace Number Collection
- Saturday: Great Northern Square, 10:00-16:00
- Sunday: Outside Central in St Ann’s Square, 07:00-15:00
- Note: Runners registered after 10:00 BST on 20 May must collect in person
Event Village Locations
- Event Village: Peter Street
- Charity Village: Deansgate
- Finish: Deansgate
FAQs: Great Manchester Run 2026
When is the Great Manchester Run 2026?
The main event is on Sunday, 31 May 2026, with the 10K starting at 11:30 AM BST and the half marathon at around 08:30 AM BST. Junior & Mini events take place on Saturday 30 May.
jointherunWhere can I watch the Great Manchester Run live?
Watch on BBC Two from 11:00 AM-1:00 PM BST, stream on GreatRunTV YouTube from 8:00 AM, or use FloTrack for full coverage.
greatrunHow many runners are participating this year?
Over 38,000 runners will compete on Sunday, with more than 40,000 total across the weekend including junior events.
greatrunIs the half marathon still available to enter?
No, the half marathon is sold out, but limited 10K places remain available.
greatrunWhat is the route of the Great Manchester Run?
The course starts on Portland Street, passes Old Trafford, Etihad, Imperial War Museum & Salford Quays, and finishes on Deansgate.
jointherunAre road closures in place?
Yes, major routes are closed for most of the day with 35,000 participants and 150,000 spectators expected.
bbcDon’t miss Europe’s biggest 10K – follow todaymatchinfo.com for continuous coverage of the Great Manchester Run 2026 and all major UK sporting events.
