Manchester Marathon 2026

By signing up to this event I declare that:

1. I will participate in the Manchester Marathon 2026 on Sunday 19 April 2026 on behalf of the Multiple Sclerosis Trust.
2. I will raise a minimum of £500 in sponsorship for the MS Trust with the objective being to raise as much sponsorship as possible.
3. I will return all sponsorship money to the MS Trust by 19 June 2026.
4. If I cancel after the 24 October 2025 deadline and the MS Trust is unable to find a replacement, I understand that I will be responsible for covering the cost of the place, which is £210.
5. If I cannot participate due to injury or illness I will let the MS Trust know immediately.
6. I will be over 18 years of age at the date of the Manchester Marathon 2026, I can confirm that to the best of my knowledge my general state of health and fitness is good, and I understand that I am taking part in the Manchester Marathon 2026 at my own risk.
7. I give permission for the MS Trust to use any photographs/videos in which I may appear for publicity purposes - this can include reporting on the event, informing people about the MS Trust, advertising future fundraising events. If you would like to opt out of this, please email fundraising@mstrust.org.uk

The minimum age for competitors is 18.

You are more than welcome to run with headphones, however, it is recommended that you run without so you can listen for any instructions from route marshals and soak up the amazing atmosphere.

Yes. The bag drop area is near the front of Manchester United’s Old Trafford Stadium, on Wharfside Way — approximately a 5-minute walk from the Start Access Area. If you plan to use this service, we recommend arriving at least 45 minutes before your designated Start Access time (please note this is earlier than the actual Start Access time).*

*please note that this information relates to the 2025 event. 2026 information will be released in due course. 

Please read the information below about taking part if you have a disability and/or require assistance on event day. 

Wheelchairs:

Manchester Marathon welcomes all Para-Athletes, including elite racing wheelchairs, assisted and unassisted day wheelchairs and racerunners to take part. All athletes must complete the race within 6 hours cut off time.

Hand-cycles are not currently allowed to participate. 

Disabled athletes using day wheelchairs, race runners or assisted wheelchairs will be filtered into the back of their wave from the Disabled Athletes Access point. You will be filtered into the appropriate wave for your estimated finish time. You will access your wave via the ‘Disabled Athletes Access Point’ which is located at the side of the start pens. There will be dedicated accessibility volunteers from Activity Alliance to assist you. All specific access info will be emailed to you prior to the event. 

If you would like to participate in your racing wheelchair, day wheelchair, or race runner, please contact the team at fundraising@mstrust.org.uk or call on 01462 476707 and we will contact the event organisers about this.

Support runners

The Manchester Marathon does not supply support runners themselves, but are happy to give a place to your support runner at no additional cost. Please contact the team at fundraising@mstrust.org.uk or call on 01462 536007 to organise this.

Cut off time

The cut off time for the Manchester Marathon in 2025 was 6 hours. It would take the average person between 7 and 9 hours to walk a Marathon distance. This does give time to some walk breaks. However, a marathon is a significant challenge and it is advised that you should be comfortable with running long distances before signing up. If you have any questions or concerns, please do get in touch at fundraising@mstrust.org.uk or call on 01462 536007.