The big day is almost here, and we want to answer any of your event day questions so you can focus on enjoying your run and soaking up the atmosphere. Any information you might need before the big day is included in this guide. Up to date event information can also be found on the website here.
To follow all the action as it happens on social media use
It’s SUPER Saturday, and we’re inviting our enthusiastic runners to come in superhero fancy dress on the day! We’re thinking capes, eye masks and something else to showcase your own power. Our junior runners can also expect chip timing and race results for our future running stars to track their progress.
There’ll also be exciting race starters and special guests joining us at Manchester Regional Arena, including some famous faces from the hit show Gladiators!
08.30 Information Point opens (Manchester Regional Arena - Eithad Campus)
09.40 Mini Assembly Open
09.53 Mini Warm Up
10.00 Mini Great Manchester Run Purple Wave START
10:45 Mascot Dash
10.50 Junior Assembly Open
11.03 Junior Warm Up
11.10 Junior Great Manchester Run Red Wave START
11.12 Junior Great Manchester Run Blue Wave START
The Junior and Mini Great Manchester Run starts and finishes in Manchester Regional Arena, Etihad Campus, Manchester, M11 3FF .
Please ensure you arrive in plenty of time to assemble and take part in the warmup (see timetable).
Access by car will be from Alan Turing Way into the Blue Car Park. Please follow the pedestrian access route shown in pink on the access map – you must use the City Link walkway to access the arena via the gate on Rowsley St.
If arriving via MetroLink – head for the Etihad Campus stop. Once leaving the Metrolink you will join the City Link walkway and access the arena via the gate.
Once your run pack has arrived through the post (approximately 2 weeks before the event), you’ll have everything you need - you do not need to visit the information point on event day to register.
Simply attach your run number (which has your timing chip attached if you are a junior runner) to the front of your brand-new t-shirt or running top with safety pins and you’re all set! Your arrival time will be detailed on your run number along with your wave colour and start time.
All accompanying adults attending the event must wear their ‘accompanying adult bib’.
If your pack has not arrived, or you entered late, you will need to visit the information point on event day.
This Information Point will be in Manchester Regional Arena and open from 08:30 am on event day, look out for the AJ Bell branded marquee.
There will be no changing or baggage facilities provided on the day. Please arrive ready to go and carry minimal belongings where possible.
Toilets will be available within the arena in both the West stand and the East stand – these will be signposted. Toilet facilities will be busy before the run so please allow plenty of time.
Distances:
Mini distance (3-8yrs): 1.6km
Junior distance (9-15yrs): 2.5km
Mini runners must be accompanied by an adult around the course, wearing their accompanying adult bib.
Junior runners will be timed and will be able to check their finish time on the website here shortly after the event.
Don’t forget to smile as you pass a Marathon Photos Live photographer on the course! Your official event photos will be available to view on the website here after the event.
Register here to be notified as soon as your photos are available.
Junior & Mini runners get a medal, bottle of water and edible snack at the finish. Once you have collected your goodies, please carry on through the finish onto the grassed area in the arena where you can enjoy some of our Come Try It activities.
Once you have finished the run why not head over to our Come Try It area located on the grassed section within the arena. There will be an array of fun activities to get involved with.
A missing person point is located within the arena next to the info point. If you come across a missing person, please contact the nearest event steward or official.
We are constantly reviewing our sustainability and recycling practices and have made a concerted effort to reduce the amount of waste from plastic and other materials across the entire event. We work with local partners to remove waste from the Great Run site. This isn’t just limited to plastic but includes cardboard, wooden pallets, medals and signage. We’re asking you to help us out and please use the recycling bins on site to discard of any waste accordingly. In case you were wondering, we also reuse generic signage and keep using it for as long as we can, and our outdated signage is fully recycled.
As part of our drive to improve sustainability at the event, there will be no bottled water at the start area. So, please arrive hydrated, having had enough water before getting to the start. If you do feel like you’ll want a drink just before you run, make sure to bring your own supply, which you may carry with you while you run. Whilst bringing a reusable water bottle would be best, if you are bringing a single-use plastic bottle please make sure you throw it in the clearly marked recycling bins that you’ll find at the start and finish.
Stay warm - You can bring warm clothes to wear and ask your parent or guardian to look after them while you run.
Protect your skin - Use weather-resistant suncream if it’s sunny on the day, but not too much – you don’t want it running into your eyes as you sweat.
Rehydrate - Take a drink as soon as you can after crossing the finish line.
Make sure you are healthy enough to take part in your run. Don’t run if you are feeling unwell or have been ill recently. Don’t be tempted to start just because you have collected sponsorship to raise money for charity.
FROM THE JUNIOR AND MINI GREAT MANCHESTER RUN TEAM AND ALL OUR PARTNERS