Manchester Half Marathon road closures and Metrolink warning as 15,000 to take part on Sunday

Thousands of runners are set to take to the streets for the Manchester Half Marathon tomorrow. Up to 15,000 people are expected to complete the 13.1 mile course which this year features a new route.

For the first time it will take runners into the city centre. As usual, the route starts and finishes near Old Trafford.

Runners will begin by heading towards the city centre, then turning round and moving towards Trafford and eventually reaching Sale. People taking part, as well as the general public, are being advised of road closures which be in force throughout the day.

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Roads affected by the run will closed off at various times along the route between 6am to 6pm. Runners are being advised to use the Metrolink to get to and from the event, or to walk or cycle.

Metrolink says a six-minute double service will be in place on the Altrincham line, with a 12-minute double service running on the Bury and East Didsbury lines as trams are expected to be busy. The nearest stop to the start line on Chester Road is Trafford Bar, and the Old Trafford or Wharfside stops are closest to the finish line on Talbot Road.

For those cheering on loved ones taking part in the race, Metrolink has released a list of stops which are close to the race route, and how far along the route they are.

Bus services will be affected by the Half Marathon, with the following services being diverted: Free Bus 1, Free Bus 2, 15, 18, 19, 23, 25, 33, 41, 53, 79, 85, 85A, 86, 150, 197, 245, 250, 255, 256, 263 and X50.

People planning on catching a bus are advised to check in advance.

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