6 October 25
Culture, heritage and sport
Business and inclusive economy

Half marathon's massive boost to local economy

On your marks, get set, go… The Manchester Half Marathon is upon us this weekend and Trafford is preparing to welcome the 28,000 runners who will be taking part in the famous event.

The race, which starts and ends near Manchester United’s Old Trafford football stadium and takes in large parts of the borough, is popular with runners from all across the country and further afield and is known the world over.

And the 13.1 mile race, taking place on Sunday, October 12, is not just a great sporting event - it also provides a massive boost to the Trafford and Greater Manchester economy.  Last year‘s race saw:

  • Nearly £7m injected into the Greater Manchester Economy. Over 58,000 spectators and participants were offered a warm welcome to Trafford and Manchester from all over the UK and abroad last October, taking the opportunity to sample some of Manchester’s finest hospitality and with over 18,000 staying in accommodation overnight.
     
  • More than £1.1m raised for local and national charities. The events have a positive impact on a wide range of Greater Manchester communities, such as charities, schools, corporate health and wellbeing and more.
     
  • More than £12,000 donated to local volunteer groups who helped at the event.

Additionally, the Manchester Half, together with the adidas Manchester Marathon, fortified its long withstanding relationship with Trafford Council this year, through the Trafford Active Fund which donated £56,000 to Trafford-based sports initiatives. Since its inception in 2015, the Fund has donated hundreds of thousands to bolster the sporting legacy of Greater Manchester, with Trafford recognised as one of the best sport and leisure destinations in the world.  

A spokesperson for Trafford Council said: 

“The Manchester Half Marathon is a fabulous event which takes runners from Old Trafford into a number of Trafford boroughs and towns including Stretford, Sale and Sale Moor. Thousands of residents will line the route to cheer on all the runners taking part. It is a huge boost to our economy - and our many cafes, bars, pubs and restaurants will be packed throughout the day.  

“Trafford is very proud to host the race and we wish lots of luck to everyone taking part.”

Chief Executive of Manchester Half event organiser A.S.O. UK, Andrew Smith, said: 

“We’re incredibly proud of the Manchester Half, whose continued growth helps nurture a strong sense of community and celebration of Greater Manchester.  

“The event’s impacts span far beyond one single day, with hundreds of charities being supported; uplift to the local economy, and the furthering of a sporting legacy for future generations. October’s event will be nothing short of magnificent, and we’re ready to set records once more this year.”

Visit the Manchester Half website for more information.