The 2026 adidas Manchester Marathon is set to return on Sunday, April 19th, bringing an estimated 42,000 participants and 140,000 spectators to the streets of Greater Manchester.
As the UK’s second-largest marathon, it's one of the stand-out occasions in the local calendar and Altrincham residents are particularly known for the fantastic support they provide the runners passing through.
We've pulled together everything you need to know about the day.
Key information
- Date: Sunday 19 April 2026
- Distance: 26.2 miles (42.2km)
- Start area: Trafford Arch near Old Trafford - entry through E2 Car Park at Old Trafford (participants only)
- Finish line: Oxford Road outside the University of Manchester
- Participants: more than 42,000 runners expected
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.
Road Closures: What You Need to Know
Roads across Altrincham and Timperley will be closed for much of Sunday 19 April.
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-5:30pm
- Stockport Road: 8:30am-5:30pm
- Shaftesbury Avenue: 8:30am-5:30pm
- Woodlands Parkway (to Woodlands Court): 8:30am-5pm
- Moss Lane (Thorndale Grove to Stockport Road): 8:30am-5pm
- Wood Lane (Stockport Road to Stanley Drive): 8:30am-5pm
- Thorley Lane (Stockport Road to Granville Road): 8:30am-5pm
- Thorley Lane (Granville Road – the village): 7:00am-5pm
Altrincham closures
- Barrington Road (to Woodlands Road junction): 8:30am-5pm
- Stamford New Road: 8:30am-5pm
- Moss Lane (to Oakfield Road junction): 8:30am-5pm
- Railway Street: 8:30am-5pm
- Regent Road (to Market Street): 8:30am-5pm
- Market Street: 8:30am-5pm
- Post Office Street: 8:30am-5pm
- Kingsway: 8:30am-5pm
- Stamford Street: 8:30am-5pm
- Victoria Street: 8:30am-5pm
- Woodlands Road (from Barrington Road junction): 8:30am-5pm
- Woodlands Parkway (to Woodlands Court): 8:30am-5pm
- Moss Lane (Thorndale Grove to Stockport Road): 8:30am-5pm
Crossing the Course
If you need to cross the route on foot or by vehicle, there are designated crossing points with marshals. Crossings are only available at specific times:
- Moss Lane / Riddings Road - Up until 9.25am, then after 3.15pm
- Moss Lane / Wood Lane - Up until 9.30am, then after 3.15pm
- Wardle Road / George's Road (Sale) - Up until 9.55am, then after 3.45pm
- Wardle Road / Woodlands Road (Sale Leisure Centre Car Park) - Up until 10am, then after 4.15pm
If you're not sure whether your road is affected, check the full road closure map on the Manchester Marathon website.
General Advice for Residents
- Don't plan to drive through Altrincham or Timperley between 9am and 3pm — use this as a car-free Sunday.
- If you need to travel, Metrolink is your best option (see below).
- Emergency vehicle access is maintained throughout.
- Residents on closed roads will be able to exit — check with marshals on the day.
Where to Watch: The Best Spots in Altrincham and Timperley
Because the route passes through twice, you can actually see runners at different stages of their race - the southbound runners will be fresher (miles 9–12), while the northbound runners will be digging deep (miles 14–17).
Top spectator spots:
- Altrincham town centre
- Timperley village
- Washway Road / Brooklands Road junction
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.
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, and Radio Alty broadcasting live throughout the day.
