We thank everyone for their great feedback and we have listened to you our runners in regard to the 2012 race. We have agreed and implemented a new improved route with the Police and Trafford Council which we are very pleased to announce includes the race village being located at Manchester United Football Club on the E2 Car Park in front of the stadium. This will mean you will start the race just a short walk away on the A56 White City Roundabout and finish outside the magnificent stadium of Old Trafford. 

Some highlights of the new route:

• The new race village will be situated at Old Trafford football stadium, on the E2 car park in front of the main stand
• The race will start on the A56 at the White City roundabout, a short walk from the race village at MUFC
• The marathon route keeps all of the great sections that you told us about and misses the sections that through feedback have been removed.
• The route will be held entirely on main roads
• More of the route in Altrincham where the crowd support was amazing
• No narrow lanes; open rural sections; underpasses; or muddy areas
• We have a new finish outside Old Trafford stadium, Manchester United Football Club (MUFC) on Sir Matt Busby Way

The Baggage system has also been significantly upgraded through your feedback and comments, we appreciate everyone who took the time to let us know their thoughts.

The improved course is even flatter than last year's race with only 55m of elevation gain, so is great for anyone looking to do their first marathon, or for those looking to set a new personal best time.

Date  28th April 2013

Location

Getting there

We advise you to use the Metrolink tram network to either Old Trafford stop or Exchange Quay.  Visit the Metrolink site for more information: http://www.metrolink.co.uk/    The race village and finish is at Manchester United's Old Trafford stadium. 

Parking is available at the MUFC car parks and can be prebooked via this link

Pace Runners

We shall have a team of pace runners who will be running the Greater Manchester Marathon at designated speeds. They will be easily identifiable and will make it easy for you to hit your target time. You will be given a special pace team tag to wear on your back that shows which pace team you are a member of. See the Brooks Pace Team section for full details

Race Packs

Race packs which containg your number, timing chip and baggage label will be sent out in the post at least 2 weeks before the race. Please see the Race Packet section of the website for full details.

Chip Timing

The Greater Manchester Marathon will be timed with state of the art disposable timing chips. Your time will be recorded at various split points along the way - 10km, 10 miles, 13.1 miles (half marathon) and the finish.

Lost Property

Any lost property handed in on the day will be taken to the Information Marquee. This will be taken back to the Xtra Mile Events office and kept for 2 weeks, before being disposed of or given to charity.

Qualifying for Other Marathons

As the Greater Manchester Marathon is licenced by UKA, your time, should it be quick enough, will be eligible as a qualification time for other marathons such as Boston, Comrades and London ‘good for age’.

Course Measurement

The Greater Manchester Marathon has been officially measured as accurate by the Association of UK Course Measurers. The licence is available via the link on the homepage.

Cash Point

There is a cash point situated at Manchester United Football Ground adjacent to the race village area.