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Great Manchester Half 2026

Part of the Great Manchester Run event, your next half is calling.
  • GB Manchester
  • 31 May 2026
  • Half Marathon
Great Manchester Half 2026
Why run it?

More than 35,000 runners take on the famous AJ Bell Great Manchester Run each year. The half marathon distance offers an epic city centre course which is mostly flat and packed with PB potential. In true Mancunian style, it’s got unparalleled local support and good vibes from start to finish. Starting on Portland Street, runners will pass some of Manchester’s most iconic landmarks and soak in the incredible entertainment along the route, culminating in a spectacular grandstand finish on Deansgate. 10k distance also available on the same day.

What's it like to run?

Runners:
35000
Surface:
Road
Start:
08:15
Course:
Mostly flat
Temp:
5-15°C
Distance:
Half Marathon

How to Enter

Our events are sell-out races, so places are limited and will be made available on a first come first serve basis.
Don’t miss out, enter today in three simple steps:
Step 1
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Pick your charity and sign up

Simply pay a refundable holding deposit to reserve your place supporting an amazing cause. 

Step 2
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Set up your fundraising page

Plus activate your free realbuzz account - we’ll drop all the details in your inbox as soon as you sign up.
Step 3
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Get to 75% of your fundraising target

about 2-3 months before your event, to confirm your place for race day! Reach 100% or more and we’ll refund your deposit.
Can’t see your charity on the list? Get in touch here.

Charity partners you can support in this event include

Make-A-Wish UK
Make-A-Wish UK
Make-A-Wish UK grant life-changing wishes to critically ill children. When it comes to their dreams, they deserve to wish for more than a life defined by their illness.
The Myton Hospices
The Myton Hospices
We believe every single moment matters and we focus on enhancing life when cure is no longer an option.
Asthma Society of Ireland
Asthma Society of Ireland
Our mission is to stop asthma deaths in Ireland.
The Gurkha Welfare Trust
The Gurkha Welfare Trust
The leading Gurkha charity. we provide aid to Gurkha veterans, their families and communities.
Dougie Mac
Dougie Mac
Delivering excellent, compassionate care to people approaching end of life.
Sandy Bear Children's Bereavement Charity
Sandy Bear Children's Bereavement Charity
Providing services to all children and young people who have, or who are likely to suffer a bereavement in Wales.
Sumatran Orangutan Society
Sumatran Orangutan Society
Help protect orangutans, their forests and their future.
The Big Food Project
The Big Food Project
At The Big Food Project, we’ve seen how hunger deeply affects individuals and families in our communities.
Crohn’s and Colitis Ireland
Crohn’s and Colitis Ireland
Ireland’s leading charity in the battle against Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis.
Restless Development
Restless Development
Supporting the journey of a young person to become a leader and to multiply that leadership in their communities.
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FAQs

Whether you’re lacing up for your first race or returning for another year, we want you to feel prepared and inspired. Here you’ll find everything you need to know about signing up, fundraising, and making an impact.
View all FAQs
  • Running for charity means taking part in an official race while committing to raise money to a set level (fundraising target) for a chosen cause. Because you're committed to fundraising, you can get guaranteed entry subject to completing a certain amount of fundraising, even if your chosen event is sold out for general entry, plus expert fundraising support to help you reach your target.

  • It's simple. Choose your distance, pick your event and select the charity you'd like to support. Once you've secured your place - either by signing up for an individual entry straight away or applying for a team if your charity has an official team in your chosen event - you'll receive everything you need to prepare, fundraise, and take on race day with confidence.

  • Not at all! Charity runs are open to all abilities, from complete beginners to seasoned marathoners. Whether you’re aiming for your first 10K or a major marathon, we’ll provide training tips and fundraising advice to help you succeed. With realbuzz, you can choose from marathons, half marathons, shorter distances such as 10ks and 10 miles, and team relay races.  
  • There will be a fundraising target, based on the event you choose, which you'll need to commit to as part of securing your place. When you sign up, you'll receive info about your chosen charity's preferred fundraising platform so you can set up your fundraising page. 100% of your fundraising goes to your charity, usually directly through the fundraising platform you're using. 
Deposit
Fundraising Target