Travel advice ahead of the Manchester Marathon this weekend

Around 28,000 runners are due to take part in the Manchester Marathon

The Manchester Marathon is being held this weekend, with road closures affecting journeys in the city centre and south Manchester.

On Sunday 16 April around 28,000 runners are due to take part in the event, with a further 42,000 spectators expected.

The 26.2-mile route starts at White City Circle in Trafford and stretches across Manchester city centre, Old Trafford, Stretford, Sale, Timperley, Altrincham, Chorlton, and Hulme.

Dedicated travel advice for competitors, spectators and the wider travelling public can be found on the TfGM website.

The transport network in Manchester and Trafford will be very busy before, during and after the race, with a significant number of road closures planned across the Sunday.

Many bus services will be on diversion and even those not directly impacted by the marathon closures could still be affected by displaced traffic and congestion.

People are advised to leave the car at home to avoid expected congestion on the roads, or to use park and rides and travel to their destinations using the tram.

Metrolink will be operating a six-minute frequency on the Altrincham line with more double trams and increased capacity on the network. However, services are expected to be extremely busy throughout the day. If you can travel flexibly, the predicted quietest time to travel is after 4pm.

Sean Dyball, TfGM’s Head of Customer Experience, said: “We are looking forward to helping thousands of runners and spectators to get to the Manchester Marathon this weekend, and we’re wishing runners the best of luck for Sunday.

“Whether you are involved in the Manchester Marathon or using the network to make other journeys – both by public transport and by car – please check our dedicated webpage for how your journey may be impacted on Sunday by road closures, bus diversions, or by busy periods.

“To avoid congestion from the road closures and for a more enjoyable journey, consider jumping on the tram and using contactless for a fast and efficient way to pay. Park and ride sites also provide a free place to park before completing your journey on the tram to the race.”