2026 Manchester Half Marathon
Take on the Manchester Half Marathon
Date: Sunday 4 October 2026
Location: Manchester
Distance: Half marathon
Whether you already have your own place or you'd like a charity place, join Team Cancer Research UK in 2026 for the Manchester Half Marathon and play your part in supporting vital cancer research.
How to join Team Cancer Research UK
Decide whether you'll enter with your own place or get a charity place
Sign up to get Team Cancer Research UK perks
Get fundraising for life-saving research
Get over that finish line and smash your fundraising target
About the Manchester Half Marathon 2026
Join Cancer Research UK at the Manchester Half Marathon, the biggest half marathon in the region with over 15,000 runners taking part.
Starting and finishing at Old Trafford, the Manchester Half Marathon is set on a fast, flat course making it perfect for novices and more advanced runners alike.
Known for its amazing support crowds around the course, it's an event you won't want to miss.
Manchester Half Marathon 2026 route map is pending. See previous years below.
Why run for Cancer Research UK?
Bridie has taken on the Great North Run six times as part of Team Cancer Research UK. She fundraises in memory of her Dad, who died of bowel cancer.
My first runs were really hard, but I trained and persevered, and I got better. On the day of my first Great North Run I wore my Cancer Research UK vest with pride, I was so happy to be taking part. The atmosphere was amazing and crossing the finish line I was ecstatic! I was so proud of myself and how far I’d come. Every step is worth it. For every person we lose to cancer, it spurs me on even more to continue fundraising so that we can find a cure.
The difference your money makes
1,045 Cancer Research UK runners taking on the Manchester Half Marathon
Hitting their fundraising targets to raise an overall total of around £195,000
Could fund two PhD students salaries in London for four years, so they can focus on delivering vital research to help us beat cancer.
Team Cancer Research UK runners receive
A personalised Cancer Research UK running t-shirt or vest
Support with fundraising and training to help you smash your challenge
Support on the day at cheer points along the route and a post-race reception
An official finisher's medal for completing your race
Get training support
We've teamed up with experts to give you the best training support and advice for your event. Whether it's your first time training or you're looking to smash a PB, we've got a training plan for you.
Get fundraising support
We're with you every step of your fundraising journey so you can smash your target. Once you've signed up, we'll send you everything you need to get going such as fundraising ideas, top tips, planners and posters.
Get kitted out
We worked with Scimitar to create Cancer Research UK sportswear that’s comfortable, looks great and supports our vital work. 20% of the price of these products will be paid to Cancer Research UK.