A travel warning has been issued ahead of the Manchester Half Marathon this Sunday (October 4), with more than 32,000 people expected to take part and tens of thousands more set to attend.
The ASICS Manchester Half, first launched ten years ago, will start and finish by Old Trafford. Organisers estimate this year will draw record numbers, with last year's event attended by around 22,500 runners.
In total, bosses say another 40,000 to 60,000 spectators are expected to make their way into the city for the event, making the day 'incredibly busy' across the city centre.
Road closures and timings
Ahead of Sunday's event, the Bee Network has issued a travel warning advising that road closures will be in place in the area around the event both before and during the event, with some roads not reopening until around 8.30pm.
The event is due to begin with elite wheelchair participants from 8.50am, with runners then setting off in approximately nine-minute waves until 11.07am. A number of road closures will be lifted by around 1pm, with most roads expected to be reopened by 4.30pm.
Travel advice for spectators
Those taking part or spectating this weekend have been advised that the best way to get around will be via the Metrolink service, with stops at Chorlton, Stretford, and Old Trafford amongst those located by the marathon route.
With services expected to be busier than usual, there will be extra trams in operation throughout the day, with staff also on hand at key stops to help direct people. It has also been advised to use the Bee Network app to help plan journeys in advance.
Earlier this year, the Manchester Marathon led to a record-breaking day for Metrolink trams, which saw the highest number of passengers ever recorded on a single day in the network's history, with over 200,000 people using the service.
Steve Gilholme, Head of Events at Transport for Greater Manchester, said: “The Manchester Half Marathon is another one of those special occasions where the people of Greater Manchester and beyond come together, with thousands of people taking on the challenge and raising money for good causes, while many more will line the route to cheer them on.
“This does mean the city centre and especially trams will be incredibly busy so please plan ahead and give yourself extra time to make journeys.
“The Bee Network app and website will be the best places to get the latest travel information and tap and go contactless payments are the quickest and easiest way to pay.”
