Manchester Half Sees Historic Turnout, New Course Records and Charity Support

This weekend, a record of 24,000 participants headed to Greater Manchester to take on the North West’s largest half marathon, the Manchester Half. Tens of thousands of enthusiastic spectators lined the streets, transforming the region into a 13.1-mile celebration which saw three course records broken and £1.4 million (including Gift Aid) raised for charity.

The flat and fast course – which simultaneously hosted the England Athletics Championships this year – attracted fierce elite competition. New course records were set by Sean Frame in the Elite Wheelchair category, as well in the Men’s and Women’s events by PUMA athletes Jack Rowe and Lucy Reid. Frame broke the tape 00:48:24, with Rowe besting his own previous record in a time of 01:02:12, and Reid running a personal best of 01:09:13. Mayor of Trafford Amy Whyte was joined by England Athletic’s Chris Hollinshead to congratulate the winners and present prizes.

Having started in Old Trafford, the mass field made their way toward the city before looping back through Salford Quays. After passing iconic landmarks like Old Trafford Stadium, home of Manchester United FC, participants moved through the communities of Stretford, Sale, and Chorlton-Cum-Hardy, finishing on Talbot Road in Trafford.

Following a 45% increase in participants since last year’s event, thousands celebrated a range of achievements, from personal bests, to hitting targets in support of local and national charities. Notable participants included Josh Mccarthy who took on the challenge in a firefighter suit; Ben Brindley who pushed a wheelbarrow from start to finish; and nine consultant surgeons from The Christie hospital.

Cast members from Coronation Street, including Elle Mulvaney (Amy Barlow) and Emrhys Cooper (Rowan Cunliffe), plus Emmerdale’s Isabel Hodgins (Victoria Barton), also added a local celebrity presence to the event.

What’s more, after an almost 60% rise in those fundraising for charity, a record-breaking sum of 1.4 million (including Gift Aid) was raised for various good causes. This included the event’s Official Charity Partners, including Alzheimer’s Society, Cancer Research UK, and The Christie.

Event organisers Human Race will also donate £24,000 through the Trafford Active Fund, where £1 from every entry is allocated into this special fund to build a long-term sport and physical activity legacy in Greater Manchester.

Andrew Smith, CEO of Manchester Half event organiser, Human Race, commented:

“We’ve just delivered the largest half marathon Manchester has ever seen, and I couldn’t be prouder of everybody involved, including our amazing volunteers. I’ve spoken to as many finishers as possible, and the feedback has been amazing. It’s a massive credit to Trafford, and the whole of Greater Manchester, that people are travelling from all over the UK to experience this atmosphere.

Over a million pounds for charity and rising is particularly special for me and the team, but all the credit for that must go to our incredible participants who have been training and fundraising for months. Today has set a very high bar for next year, but we’re already planning how we can top it”. 

With the 2024 Manchester Half now complete, entries for next year’s event, set for Sunday 12th October 2025, will open to the public at Noon, Tuesday 15th October. Best-price places are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information, please visit the Manchester Half website.