Travel warnings, road closures and advice issued for Manchester …

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The Manchester Marathon covers over 26.2 miles of the city centre and surrounding areas, so it's worth knowing how you're going to get about this Sunday.

With the Manchester Marathon returning to the city and surrounding areas this weekend, Transport for Greater Manchester have issued a fresh batch of warnings and travel guidance for those coming into town on Sunday. As well all know, the Marathon [1] isn't only a city centre event, it stretches out to various Greater Manchester [2] boroughs, and with more than 28,000 runners taking part -- not to mention upwards of 42,000 spectators expected to turn up too -- it's going to be a busy 24 hours or so. The 26.2-mile route starts at White City Circle near the Trafford Arch and stretches across the city centre [3], Old Trafford, Stretford, Sale, Timperley, Altrincham, Chorlton and Hulme.

The event really does take over the region. With that in mind, there are set to be numerous road closures for prolonged periods throughout the day, as well impact on public transport, so it's good to be prepared. Here's what to expect.

Manchester Marathon [4]/Paul Currie [5]

As TfGM have reiterated, the transport network in central Manchester and Trafford [6] will be very busy before, during and after the race.

Furthermore, people are being advised to leave cars at home to avoid inevitable congestion on surrounding roads, or to at least use Greater Manchester's park-and-ride services [7] available at various Metrolink stations and travel to their destinations using the tram.

However, it goes without saying that the services will be extremely busy throughout the day, so, if you can travel flexibly, the predicted quietest time to travel is after 4pm.

Metrolink have confirmed that they will be operating the Altrincham [8] line every six minutes, with more double trams and increased capacity across the network where possible. You can see a full list of stops below: Lucky for you, once you've tapped on and tapped off, most fan corners, cheer zones and regular spots for supporters to gather together should only be a short walk away from your chosen tram stop.

Now, as for buses, many local services will be running along diverted routes throughout the day and even those not directly impacted by the marathon's road closures could still be affected by displaced traffic, so it's worth double-checking your usual number and any adjusted stops on race day.

The last road closure is expected to be re-opened at 8pm through Chorlton and Old Trafford towards the end of the course, although a portion of Talbot Road will be closed all weekend and won't re-open until midnight on Sunday. Thankfully, the wonderful organisers have you covered; you can see the full list of closures HERE [9] and they have even put together an interactive map for you to check what roads are shut and when:

Sean Dyball, TfGM's Head of Customer Experience, said: "We are looking forward to helping thousands of runners and spectators to get to the Manchester Marathon this weekend, and we're wishing runners the best of luck for Sunday." Last but not least, for plenty more useful travel advice for competitors, spectators and everyone else alike arriving in the area this weekend, just simply check out the TfGM website [10].

Other than that, all that's left to do is wish the runners all the best of luck for the 2023 Manchester Marathon and we hope that everyone turning up to cheer them on has a wonderful day and gets from A to B with as little hassle as possible.
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See you there! For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE [11]. Featured Image -- Manchester Marathon/David Dixon [12] (via Geograph)

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Tributes pour in to much-loved Manchester baker as contributions to GoFundMe soar

Daisy Jackson [13]

A GoFundMe set up in the memory of a beloved local baker has soared to GBP10,000 in a matter of hours as heartbroken tributes pour in.

Sharon Nagadya-Tendo, who worked at both Long Boi's Bakehouse and Trove, suddenly and unexpectedly passed away on Wednesday this week. Hundreds of people are paying tribute to the 33-year-old today as a GoFundMe is set up to pay for her funeral [14]. The moving tribute says: "Our beautiful Sharon sadly passed away on Wednesday 12th April 2023.

She passed away peacefully surrounded by her family and friends. "Sharon brought joy and laughter to every single person she met in her life. Her kindness and friendship will be missed by so many people.

She lived life to it's fullest, without any prejudice and always with love. "She was a devoted daughter to her Mum, Norah. A fantastic role model to her brother Ash.

And the most loyal friend to everyone that had the pleasure of meeting her. "Her loss will leave such a hole in so many lives. "We have set up this GoFundMe to raise money for Sharon's funeral costs, we would love to give Sharon the beautiful service that she so deserves.

"Any contribution big or small is very much appreciated." Sharing the sad news today, EatMCR wrote [15]: "A young woman called Sharon, who some of you will know, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday. "You might have seen her around town or had one of her bakes.

She worked at both @longboisbakes [16] in Levenshulme and @trove_foods [17]. From the few times I met her, she immediately stood out to me as someone who radiated positivity and had a heart of gold. I really do mean that.

"A Go Fund Me has been set up to raise money for her funeral costs. The donation link is in our bio. "I know there's many of you reading this who might not have met her and this is quite a personal post for us to share.

Sharon was a well loved member of the Manchester hospitality community, it felt only right we help as much as we can now.

Sharon Nagadya-Tendo. Credit: GoFundMe

Credit: Long Bois Bakehouse

Sharon with the Long Bois Bakehouse team at the MFDF Awards. Credit: Carl Sukonik

"If you are able to donate to help her family with the funeral costs, that would mean a lot to her loved ones.

Sending love to all her family and friends." Local hospitality businesses have all been sharing their fond memories of Sharon this afternoon - all centring about her positivity and smile. Tiny coffee and cocktail bar Kiosk on Lapwing posted: "Sharon probably baked many of the things you popped in your mouth here at Kiosk and anyone who was lucky enough to cross her path knew about it because she will have BLASTED you with positivity and joy."

Local supper club Seasons Eats wrote: "Such sad news. She was always smiling and full of joy. She will be missed."

The Palms Bakery posted: "You couldn't go anywhere with Sharon without her knowing at least one person at every stop. She's had such an impact on so many people and she'll be remembered and loved forever." Levenshulme [18] locals have also been sharing their memories of Sharon.

One person wrote: "This is so shocking. She was a pandemic staple for me when I would visit Long Bois and she would always stop to pet my dog who she fondly called Meatball. She was always so positive, smiley and really could spin any day into a positive.

She will be missed." Another person remembered how they would always leave the bakery 'so happy and smiling' after spending any time in her presence.

Her loved ones hope to raise GBP15,000 in her memory to pay for her funeral costs - and after just hours, it's already sailed past GBP10,000. You can make a donation here [19].

RIP Sharon.