Whether you’re an avid runner, gentle jogger, or fun running fanatic, Manchester has races for everyone. Known for its cooler climate and flat landscape, the city offers perfect conditions for setting personal bests. But if you love hill running, head less than an hour out of the city for trail running heaven.
Want to explore the city while running? Check out our Manchester sightrunning tours! From popular races to hidden gems, lace up for the run of your life in ‘Madchester’.
Main Manchester Running Races
Adidas Manchester Marathon
Date: 14 April 2024
The Adidas Manchester Marathon is a renowned event in the UK, ranking as the second largest marathon in the country and one of the biggest in Europe. It’s a marathon that draws participants from all over the world to experience the vibrant streets of Greater Manchester.
What’s special about this marathon is that it welcomes everyone, from elite runners aiming for the podium to those who never thought they could finish a marathon. It’s not just about the race; it’s about the incredible journey of pushing yourself to the limit.
For many runners, this marathon offers the chance to achieve a personal best time. But what really sets it apart is the amazing support from the people of Manchester along the way. Their cheers and encouragement make the entire experience unforgettable, regardless of your finishing time.
Wiggle Manchester Half Marathon
Date: 13 October 2024
Start Time: TBA
Manchester half marathon is the half, of all halves, to do! Throughout the 13.1 flat miles, runners are serenaded through the streets with a spectrum of musical talent. In true ‘musical magic style, choirs, brass bands, steel drums, rock bands, dancers and DJs line the city streets to lift the runner’s spirits…and their feet! It is all about the atmosphere. There’s even a prize for the musical talented voted, by the runners, as the best. It’s a day for fun to be had for runners and spectators alike.
The route itself takes racers on a journey past some of Manchester’s iconic structures, Manchester United Football Club and Cricket Ground, and into some of the lesser-known tree-lined suburbs, giving participants a perfect balance of city and suburban running.
Then there’s the medal. Dedicated to the worker bee heritage of Manchester, the golden yellow honeycombed metal, engraved with the Manchester Bee emblem is a must-have for the medal collection!
Smaller and Club Manchester Running Races
If you’re a lover of mixing up your runs and sampling those lesser-known, fun, and quirky Manchester running races;
Quarry Bank Trail Race
Date: 23 May 2024
Start Time: 7 PM
Organized by Run North West, a brilliant, independent running event company (who have also recently opened its doors to a runners heaven shop) the Quarry Bank Trail Race is a rough 5-mile trail race set in one of Britain’s greatest industrial heritage and National Trust sites, Quarry Bank.
At the starting point of the race, you will be greeted by one of the best-preserved (and most beautiful) textile mills. That should draw your attention away from the beastly, yet beautiful, 5 miles ahead of you. At least for a few moments! The route is made up of meandering hidden trails, woodland paths (and some killer steps), and brings you out alongside the Manchester Airport runway trail. Ever wondered if you could race a plane?
Manchester Industrial Run
Date: Various
Run back in time to discover the parts of the city that were at the heart of the industrial revolution. A guided run that will take you beyond the typical city highlights into the city’s past.
Wincle Trout Run
Date: TBC 2024
Start Time: TBA
Macclesfield Harrier’s Wincle Trout race is a race like no other. Forget runner’s medals, finishers tees, or running paraphernalia prizes. Your prize for finishing this brutal gauntlet of hills (or mountain trails!) is exactly at the title suggests. A trout. A locally caught, uncooked (dead, not alive!) river trout…which, incidentally, is smashing on the BBQ with a touch of lemon and garlic! And, by god, when you’ve finished the grueling 6 miles of inclines and fell running, you’ll have worked up an appetite.
The Wincle Trout Fell Race is combined with the Wincle Fayre- think Maypole dancing, picnics, BBQs, home-brewed local cider, and general merriment- so it’s worth making a day of it with the whole family!
Tatton Yule Yomp
Date: TBC 2024
Start Time: TBA
If you’re all about festive fun races, then the Tatton Yule Yomp is one of the most festively spirited Manchester running races, perfect for you! The start line is awash with Santa Claus’, Christmas Trees, Elves, and even some of the park’s real-life Reindeers. All you need to get you into the Christmas spirit.
Tatton Park is nestled in the Cheshire countryside- amongst rolling fields, enchanted woodlands, and picturesque villages- think cobbled streets and stone houses, stepping back in time! The National Trust land is race, or Yomp, as they call it, is just the relaxing tonic to kick off the chaotic festive season. The 10KM Yule Yomp is a runner’s dream mixture of off and on-road running.
So, with all that said, running in Manchester is always a pleasure and never a chore!
For more information on running in Manchester check out our complete guide here.
Happy Running!
Sian
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