Manchester Marathon training plan
A free plan counted back from race day and built for a flat, city course. Answer three questions and see every week before you sign up.
Race daySun 18 Apr 2027
Distance42.2 km
CourseFlat, city
Countdown27 weeks
General entry is full.See how to get a place ↗
Counted back from race day
18 weeks to 18 April
Weekly distance for a runner doing 15–30 km now. Start later and Kyrvo shortens the base phase.
Mon 14 DecRace · Sun 18 Apr
BaseWk 1–4BuildWk 5–9PeakWk 10–16TaperWk 17–18
Personalise this plan
Coaching notes for this course
Flat enough that pacing decides itAbout 54 m of climb over the whole course, so the race rewards even splits more than strength on hills. Hill work stays light in your plan. Marathon-pace blocks in your long runs are what get you ready.
One loop, long straightsYou run out through Stretford, Sale and Timperley to a turn in Altrincham around mile 16, then back via Chorlton and Hulme to a finish on Oxford Road. Long straight roads can be exposed, so a few of your long runs are best done on open, windy routes.
A very big fieldTens of thousands enter, so expect a crowded start and slower first kilometres than your goal pace. Your last three long runs rehearse holding back early and settling in before the pace picks up.
EntriesGeneral entry is full
Charity places and returned entries are the usual routes in. The organiser’s guide has the details.
Manchester Marathon questions
When should I start training for Manchester Marathon?
Most runners need 16–22 weeks. Counting back from Sunday 18 April 2027, an 18-week plan starts on Monday 14 December 2026 and a 22-week plan on Monday 16 November. Start later and Kyrvo shortens the base phase.
Is Manchester good for a first marathon?
Many first-timers choose it. The course is very flat, roads are closed and the crowds are big. Two things to plan for: exposed straights where wind can slow you, and a crowded start. There is a six-hour course time limit, so check your target pace against it.
How hilly is the Manchester Marathon?
Barely. Race guides put the total climb at about 54 m, which makes it one of the flattest marathons in the UK. Sources vary a little on the exact figure, but all describe it as flat.
Where does the Manchester Marathon start and finish?
It starts near Old Trafford in Trafford and runs through Stretford, Sale, Timperley and Altrincham before returning towards the city. Since 2025 the finish has been on Oxford Road outside the University of Manchester.
Can I still get a place?
General entry was reported full when we last checked. Charity places and returned entries are the usual routes in. The organiser’s entry guide explains how to register interest or find a charity place. Entry details change, so check there for the latest.
Do I need to sign up to see the plan?
No. Answer three questions to see your full plan. Create a free account only if you want to save it and have it adapt.
Is Kyrvo really free?
Yes. Kyrvo is free to use. Any race or kit links that earn us a fee are clearly labelled, and we never sell your data.