The North West’s biggest half marathon is returning on Sunday 9th October, with 15,000 runners set to complete the 13.1 miles around Greater Manchester.

Since launching in 2016, the Manchester Half has quickly established itself as the biggest and most popular half marathon in the North West, due to its fast, flat course and the unrivalled supportive and welcoming Mancunian atmosphere. For 2022, the Manchester Half will be unveiling a new ‘Heroes’ theme, championing the many heroes who are tackling the 13.1 mile distance, those who inspire others to run and the local heroes we encounter everyday.

Explaining the idea behind the Heroes theme, Nick Rusling, CEO of the Manchester Half event organisers Human Race, says: “this year we want to celebrate the everyday heroes who will be running the streets of Manchester. There are heroes all around us and they come in many forms. Our real-life heroes might not have superpowers or wear capes (although some of you might choose to dress as your favourite hero on the day), but they are there. Some of our runners are heroes as they have overcome great barriers, some are running for their own personal heroes who were or are special to them, and some are simply their own heroes just for taking on the half marathon challenge.

Manchester has produced a lot of heroes, from music icons and sporting stars to local legends. 2022 provides an excellent opportunity for us to welcome more heroes into the hall of fame!”

Not only will 2022 welcome 15,000 heroes to the start line, but the route will also see a change with the half marathon coursing through the city centre for the first time. Popular for its closed road route, runners will have the rare opportunity to have the city streets to themselves as they make their way round one of Europe’s flattest courses. Taking in sights such as the Manchester Central Library, Manchester Opera House and the Albert Memorial, runners can expect plenty of cheer stations and lively support from the crowds.

The Manchester Half is one of the biggest charity fundraising activities on the Manchester calendar, with runners from beginner through to elite level raising

precious funds for the Alzheimer’s Society, Cancer Research UK, The Christie, ABF The Soldiers’ Charity and other associated charities.

Places in the Manchester Half, Sunday 9th October 2022, are still available to secure now. To find out more about how to run or volunteer at the next event, visit https://www.manchesterhalfmarathon.com/home/.