The fourth biggest marathon in Europe returns this Sunday with 36,000 runners passing through Altrincham and Timperley.
The adidas Manchester Marathon is set to bring significant economic spend locally, with millions also raised for associated charities The Christie, Cancer Research UK, Alzheimer’s Society and British Heart Foundation.
Here's everything local residents need to know about the race route, road closures and entertainment planned for our area.
Route through Altrincham and Timperley
Altrincham and Timperley will once again form a significant portion of this year's marathon route. Runners will enter the area via Park Road into Timperley village, continuing along the following path:
- Down Stockport Road
- Left on to Barrington Road
- Through Altrincham town centre via:
- Stamford Street
- Past Altrincham Market
- Down Regent Road
- Along Stamford New Road
- Right back onto the flyover
- Down Stockport Road
- On to Shaftesbury Avenue
- Left on to Thorley Lane
- Back through Timperley village
- Up Stockport Road into Brooklands
This year, the start assembly location will be adjacent to Manchester United’s Old Trafford ground. There will however be a new finish, on Oxford Road in the city centre, with the University of Manchester as a backdrop.
The event’s full route preview can be viewed on YouTube here. The full route map can be found here, with further logistics on the Participant Hub here.
The 2025 route preview
Road closures
Timperley closures
- Washway Road/Manchester Road: 7:30am-4:30pm
- Park Road: 7:30am-4:30pm
- Attenbury's Lane: 7:30am-4:30pm
- Timperley Village junction: 7:00am-5:45pm
- Stockport Road: 8:30am-5:45pm
- Shaftesbury Avenue: 8:30am-5:45pm
- Woodlands Parkway (to Woodlands Court): 8:30am-5:15pm
- Moss Lane (Thorndale Grove to Stockport Road): 8:30am-5:15pm
- Wood Lane (Stockport Road to Stanley Drive): 8:30am-5:15pm
- Thorley Lane (Stockport Road to Granville Road): 8:30am-5:15pm
- Thorley Lane (Granville Road – the village): 7:00am-5:15pm
Altrincham closures
- Barrington Road (to Woodlands Road junction): 8:30am-5:00pm
- Stamford New Road: 8:30am-5:00pm
- Moss Lane (to Oakfield Road junction): 8:30am-5:00pm
- Railway Street: 8:30am-5:00pm
- Regent Road (to Market Street): 8:30am-5:00pm
- Market Street: 8:30am-5:00pm
- Post Office Street: 8:30am-5:00pm
- Kingsway: 8:30am-5:00pm
- Stamford Street: 8:30am-5:00pm
- Victoria Street: 8:30am-5:00pm
- Woodlands Road (from Barrington Road junction): 8:30am-5:00pm
- Woodlands Parkway (to Woodlands Court): 8:30am-5:00pm
- Moss Lane (Thorndale Grove to Stockport Road): 8:30am-5:00pm
Race timings
The marathon will begin at 9am at White City in Stretford, with elite athletes and the first wave of runners setting off. Additional waves will depart at 10-minute intervals until the final group starts at 11:30am.
Given the route layout, spectators in Altrincham and Timperley can expect to see the first runners arriving at around 10.25am, with participants continuing to pass through the area throughout the day.
Last year's winner Adam Clarke, who completed the 26.2-mile route in 2 hours, 15 minutes and 35 seconds, will be returning to defend his title. He'll be joined by second-place finisher Melissah Gibson among the elite runners.
How can I watch the race?
Over 140,000 supporters are expected to line the streets of Greater Manchester.
Friends and family are encouraged to plan their day using the Supporter Hub, which contains interactive maps and top supporter locations. There is also a downloadable Supporter and Weekend Guide with family-friendly activities, events and food recommendations.
Entertainment along the route
As ever, the Altrincham part of the route will be a highlight for runners and spectators alike.
Expect a brilliant atmosphere with live entertainment on the route through the town including performances from The Music Place Choir, Little Belters and the Absolute Belters outside Altrincham Town Hall, a high-energy cheer squad from Orangetheory Fitness, and Radio Alty broadcasting live throughout the day.
Spectator information
For those wishing to support the runners, the Altrincham and Timperley sections offer excellent vantage points. Prime viewing locations include:
- Timperley village
- Altrincham town centre, particularly near the Market
- Stockport Road
- Thorley Lane
Spectators are advised to plan their journeys carefully due to road closures and to arrive early to secure good viewing spots.
Supporting the runners
Hydration stations will be positioned along the route, but spectators are encouraged to show their support by cheering on the participants.
All roads are scheduled to reopen by 7pm, with many becoming accessible earlier as the last runners pass through each section.
When will the 2026 adidas Manchester Marathon take place?
The adidas Manchester Marathon returns on Sunday 19th April 2026. Those who would like to the chance to enter next year’s event can sign-up to receive priority access now ahead of public opening.
