THE GAMES
10K ROAD RACE
Join thousands of runners at the iconic AJ Bell Great Manchester Run on May 31st — a guaranteed place, a party atmosphere and a cause worth running for.
Event Date
31 May
2026
Distance
10K
Road Race
Waves Start
11:45
Portland Street
Open To
15+
All Abilities Welcome
About the Event
Manchester’s iconic city-centre 10K — run it as part of something bigger
The Gratitude Games has partnered with the AJ Bell Great Manchester Run, one of the UK’s most celebrated road races. A limited number of guaranteed places have been secured exclusively for Gratitude Games participants — to enter, you must use the link on this page.
Thousands of runners from across the UK will take to the streets of Manchester in this fantastic event. As a Gratitude Games participant, you’ll be running as part of a group raising vital funds for Emergency Service mental health — making every step count twice.
Entries are open to Emergency Responders and their family members. All abilities are welcome, whether you’re just beginning your running journey or conquering your 50th 10K — this event has something special for you.
In true Mancunian style, the run has a party atmosphere from start to finish, with a high-energy soundtrack, live music and entertainment zones at every turn, plus some of the loudest and most enthusiastic local support you’ll find anywhere in the UK.
Official Event Partner
AJ Bell Great Manchester Run
The AJ Bell Great Manchester Run is one of the UK’s most popular road races, attracting tens of thousands of runners each year. The 10K route takes in some of the city’s most famous landmarks, starting on Portland Street and finishing on the iconic Deansgate.
The Route
Start to Finish
The Course
The 10K begins on Portland Street, near the junction with Oxford Street, and winds through the heart of Manchester before finishing on the city’s iconic Deansgate.
The route passes some of Manchester’s most famous landmarks, including Coronation Street and the Imperial War Museum.
Schedule
10K race waves start from 11:45
Your individual wave time will be confirmed closer to the event. Please allow plenty of time to reach the start area and complete bag drop before your wave departs.
What’s Included
Everything you need on race day
Event Tracking
Free Great Run series event day tracking app
Training Support
Free training plans and support up to event day
Race Day Atmosphere
Music and entertainment to keep you motivated
Personalised Number
Run number personalised with your name
Whether you’re lacing up for the first time or chasing a personal best, the AJ Bell Great Manchester Run is one of the most special days on the UK’s running calendar. Running it as a Gratitude Games participant means you’ll be part of something that goes far beyond the finish line — raising awareness of the mental health challenges faced by our Emergency Responders every single day.
Gratitude Games, 2026
Important Information
What You Need to Know
- You must be aged 15 or over on race day to enter
- To secure your Gratitude Games place, you must enter via the dedicated link on this page — do not enter directly through the Great Run website
- A limited number of guaranteed places have been secured — register early to avoid disappointment
- Entries are open to serving, retired and family members of the Emergency Services and NHS
- Free training plans and event day support are included with your entry
- Wave start times will be confirmed closer to the event
Getting There
Start & Finish
Race Start
Portland Street
Near junction with Oxford Street
Manchester
City Centre
The race finishes on Deansgate, Manchester’s iconic city-centre street. Manchester city centre is easily accessible by rail, Metrolink and bus.
Ready to Run?
Enter the AJ Bell Great Manchester Run
Guaranteed places are limited. You must use the link below to register as a Gratitude Games participant. Open to Emergency Responders and family members of all abilities.
ENTER VIA AJ BELL GREAT MANCHESTER RUN