The race starts on the Trans Pennine Trail for a short distance only, before hopping over the swing bridge at Latchford. Runners will then head along the Manchester Ship Canal before crossing the River Mersey at Woolston Weir. On the north side of the Mersey runners will then head off down the tow path of the New Cut Canal, re join the Mersey for a short while before running down the Black Bear canal (now filled in). The next stretch of the half marathon re joins the ship canal and then heads past the Walton Arms (Don't be tempted to call in!) and towards Walton Gardens. The final segment of the half marathon runs along the Bridgewater Canal  before rejoining the Trans Pennine Trail to the finish.