2027 Manchester Marathon - Apr 18

2027 Manchester Marathon - Apr 18 Countdown

-- DAYS
-- HRS
-- MIN
-- SEC

Want personality modes & weather integration? Try the full countdown experience

Sold out · charity entry only View official registration →

Race Information

Race2027 Manchester Marathon - Apr 18
CityManchester
Date2027-04-18 at 09:00
Field Size~40,000 runners
Time Limit6 hours
Cutoff pace8:32/km
TimezoneEurope/London
Official Siteadidas Manchester Marathon
RegistrationSold out · charity entry only · Official Site

Race Day Weather

Average Temperature8.1°C / 47°F
Humidity84%
Wind21.9 km/h
Rain Chance35%
Typical ConditionsCool and often damp

What to Prepare: April in Manchester averages 8–12°C with a real chance of rain — the city is one of the UK's wettest. Pack a disposable poncho for the Old Trafford start and expect a breeze on the open Trafford roads.

Based on historical averages for race week. Use our Weather Score Calculator and What to Wear Guide for personalized advice.

Wind Impact on Race Day

Wind at 21.9 km/h can affect your marathon pace by 5-15 seconds per kilometer. Headwinds slow you down exponentially — a 20 km/h wind costs more than twice a 10 km/h wind.

Calculate your wind-adjusted pace →

Race-Week Climate

Based on 20 years of race-week weather (2005-2024), MERRA-2 reanalysis

Cooler Typical Warmer
Temperature 5.4°C 7.9°C 11.1°C
Dew point 2.5°C 5.3°C 8.5°C
Wet-day chance: 35% Runnability: 68/100

Data: NASA POWER (MERRA-2 reanalysis), NASA Langley Research Center

Course Profile

Course TypeLoop
Elevation Gain55m
TerrainRoad
ProfileA fast, flat loop with just 55 m of total climb. Starts at Old Trafford (home of Manchester United), heads out through Stretford, Sale, Timperley and Altrincham on wide suburban roads, and finishes near the University of Manchester. One of the UK's flattest big-city marathons.
Boston QualifierYes — Check your BQ time

Prepare for 2027 Manchester Marathon - Apr 18

Use our free training tools to get race-ready:

View all running tools

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Manchester Marathon good for a PB?

Yes — Manchester is one of the UK's flattest big-city marathons, with only 55 m of total elevation gain, and it markets itself as 'flat & friendly.' The fast, wide suburban roads through Trafford, Sale and Altrincham make it a popular target for personal bests and for chasing a Boston-qualifying or London Good for Age time. As the UK's second-largest marathon after London, it also fields big crowds and pacers for most target times.

How do I enter the 2027 Manchester Marathon?

Entry is open / first-come, first-served (not a ballot), with tiered pricing that rises as places sell out. The 2027 adidas Manchester Marathon is now at capacity for general entry — remaining places are available through official charity partners, who ask for a registration fee plus a fundraising commitment. Check manchestermarathon.co.uk for waitlist and charity options.

What is the Manchester Marathon route?

The course is a fast, flat loop. It starts at Old Trafford, the home of Manchester United, and heads out through Stretford, Sale, Timperley and Altrincham on broad suburban roads before returning to finish near the University of Manchester. With almost no hills, the route is built for even pacing.

What time does the Manchester Marathon start, and what is the cutoff?

Runners set off in waves on the Sunday morning from Old Trafford. The course time limit is 6 hours, so road closures and finish facilities are planned around a six-hour completion. Map your splits with our Pace Calculator to stay inside the cutoff comfortably.

Is the Manchester Marathon a Boston qualifier or Good for Age course?

Yes. The course is certified and Boston-qualifier eligible, and its flat profile makes it a strong choice for runners chasing a London Marathon Good for Age (GFA) standard, which uses age-graded qualifying times. Check the standard you need with our Boston Qualifier & Good For Age tool.

What is the weather like for the Manchester Marathon in April?

Expect cool, changeable conditions. April in Manchester averages 8–12°C, and the city is one of the UK's wettest, so rain is a real possibility. Those temperatures are close to ideal for racing — dress for the run, not the start line, and bring a disposable layer to discard at Old Trafford. Check race-week conditions with our Weather Score Calculator.

Will there be road closures, and how do spectators get around?

Yes — rolling road closures affect Stretford, Sale, Timperley and Altrincham on race morning, so drivers should plan diversions and allow extra time. Spectators are best served by Manchester's Metrolink tram network, with stops near Old Trafford and along parts of the route, rather than driving. Check the official event updates for the latest closure map before race day.

More Marathon Countdowns

View all marathons