With more than 40,000 people set to take part in the Manchester Marathon on Sunday 19th April, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is asking anyone travelling around the city-region to plan their journeys ahead of time to avoid disruption.
Runners will set off from the Trafford Arch, near Manchester United’s Old Trafford stadium from 8.55am, with the 26.2 mile route covering areas such as Deansgate, Stretford, Sale, Chorlton and Altrincham before finishing outside the University of Manchester on Oxford Road.
The race will continue for much of the day, with the last wave of runners setting off at 11.30am and the cut-off time being six hours after the last participant has started the race. There will be several road closures in Manchester and Trafford to enable the marathon to take place. These are likely to cause congestion and delays in the affected areas and there will be widespread bus diversions.
Sunday is expected to be the busiest day of the year for Greater Manchester’s tram network, and will be the best way to get around along the marathon route for spectators.
The Altrincham and East Didsbury lines will be very busy – and people may have to wait to board a tram and should allow at least 30 minutes extra time for travel.
Those travelling by bus in Trafford, south Manchester or the city centre over the weekend should do so at quieter times where possible and check the Bee Network travel alerts hub for any diversions on their route.
People are strongly advised not to drive. But for those that need to, using a park and ride site and continuing the journey by tram is a quick and easy way to travel to the event or into the city centre. Park and ride parking is also free with a valid Metrolink ticket.
As well as the marathon, Sunday will also see Manchester City’s face-off against Premier League rivals, Arsenal, at the Etihad Stadium. Match day buses will still run but with some route changes due to the marathon road closures.
Danny Vaughan, Chief Network Officer at Transport for Greater Manchester, said:
“The Manchester Marathon is one of the best days of the year, with thousands of people taking to the streets to break PBs and raise money for good causes with many more there to cheer everyone on.
“That day will also see Manchester City take on Arsenal at the Etihad with a sell-out crowd expected for a match which is going to be key for where the Premier League title may end up.
“This does mean the city centre and especially trams will be incredibly busy so please plan ahead and give yourself extra time to make journeys.
“The Bee Network app and website will be the best places to get the latest travel information and tap and go contactless payments are the quickest and easiest way to pay.”
Further information for runners, spectators and match-goers – as well as those making other journeys on Sunday – can be found on the dedicated Bee Network webpage.
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