What to expect at this year’s Great Manchester Run

Alongside the same phenomenal atmosphere and crowds, at this year’s Great Manchester Run you can expect incredible live music and entertainment, some serious medal bling and finisher’s t-shirts, and a brand new Apres Run zone. Read on for the full lowdown…

The Great Manchester Run is one of the world’s biggest and best running events, with thousands of runners taking to the streets of the North West’s unofficial capital in search of PBs, a big dose of personal achievement, and for charity. Here’s a summary of just some of the sights, sounds and experiences to expect on Sunday 22 May.

1) A CITY CENTRE ROUTE

Tens of thousands of runners will line up on the 10k & Half Marathon start lines on Portland Street, before setting off on a running tour of the city.

The 10k route takes in the views of Manchester United’s Old Trafford stadium, the award-winning Imperial War Museum at Salford Quays, and The Lowry. The Half Marathon route takes runners past both iconic football stadiums, joining the 10k route in exploring the famous cobbles of Coronation Street’s new set and Beetham Tower, the 47-storey skyscraper which almost marks the finish line for you!

2) ROCKING MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT

Prepare to be entertained from start to finish by a host of local musicians, charity cheering squads, Heart DJs and much more. More than 20 on course entertainment and cheer zones will keep those legs pumping every step of the way.  Here’s what you can expect to see (and of course hear) on your run:

A live start line DJ – Heart will be providing the ultimate party throughout the day with an awesome DJ truck pumping out a high energy set at the start line.

Bands On The Run – We’ve lined up some of the very best bands & local musical artists to provide the soundtrack to your run. From Manchester favourites Conundrum to the wonderful Hallé Youth Ensemble – you’ll be bopping, clapping and singing as you run past.

Run Thru Madchester – This is a high energy and slightly bonkers zone with supersoakers and a whole lot of noise. Think 50 metres of madness and you’re somewhere near… You’ve got the option to Run Thru or sidestep this zone: are you Mad(chester) enough?

Pump It Up! – This zone will get those legs pumping that little bit quicker to the finish line. Powered by our awesome DJ Truck, your motivation levels are going to skyrocket.

Charity Cheering Points – The wonderful supporters from Cancer Research UK, Macmillan, Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, The Christie and Alzheimers Society will be cheering, clapping and hollering your name.

Beats Boost – Another epic DJ Truck is perfectly positioned to give you a boost as you power towards your goal, so get ready for a blast of banging beats and another burst of energy.

People’s Playlist – Power through this section with tunes chosen by the people of Manchester. This is your playlist for your run, with guilty pleasures and Manc anthems galore.

Hacienda – We’re bringing the party back to give you that much needed boost just as the finish comes into view. With a Hacienda-inspired playlist, a massive sound system and disco lights, we want to see those hands up until you’re right across the finish line.

3)  PBs & PACERS POWERED BY MUSIC 

With crowds cheering, fellow runners spurring each other on, and training in the bank, race day always offers a great opportunity to achieve a PB.

If you’re looking to make it to the finish line in a particular time, our team of pacers will be on hand to help you achieve your goal.  There’ll be 13 pacers in the 10k, pacing runners from 40 minutes to 1hour 20 minutes, and 11 pacers in the Half Marathon pacing runners from 1 hour 30 mins to 2 hours 30 mins. 

That’s not all… our pacers will be powered by music, blasting out tunes all along the course to keep motivation sky high!  Pretty cool huh?!

4)  THE FINISH LINE FEELING & A WORTHY REWARD 

Crossing the finish line on Deansgate to cheering crowds, you’ll be feeling elation, exhaustion and joy as you complete your challenge.  The greatest reward is the sense of achievement, but a shiny new medal, a snazzy finishers t-shirt and a finisher’s bag filled with goodies will await you at the end of the run.  Why not throw in an ice-cold pint and the perfect post-run meal – you’ve earned it! 

5)  THE FINISH LINE IS NOT THE END…  

The celebrations will continue long past the finish line!  Runners, families and friends can kick back, relax and enjoy the post-race buzz in our new Après Run zone in Great Northern Square.  The after party will feature more great music with a Heart DJ (inside a very cool DJ Truck) providing the tunes. 

With some of the best (and loudest!) crowd support anywhere in the world, and the action televised live on the BBC, it’s an event day experience like no other. There’s still time to join us on Sunday 22 May – to find out more or enter click here.