Phoenix Manchester The One That Got Away

Get ready to end 2026 on a high note with the Phoenix Manchester: The One That Got Away event, organized by Phoenix Running Manchester! Scheduled for December 31, 2026, this exciting running experience will take place in the scenic Chorlton Water Park, Manchester, Lancashire. Participants can choose their race distance from a variety of options including 5km, 10k, half marathon, marathon, or even ultra, completing as many laps as they desire on the beautiful 5.3km (3.28 miles) out-and-back course along the tranquil River Mersey. This event is designed for runners of all abilities, whether you're a seasoned marathoner or just starting out. You'll have a generous 7-hour time limit to complete your laps, and everyone who crosses the finish line will receive a bespoke finisher's medal. Plus, the first 90 participants will walk away with a lightweight, microfibre towel—perfect for your sports kit! Don’t forget, if you've had your eye on a specific Phoenix medal that you missed in past events, reach out to us for availability, and secure your chance to earn it! With a well-stocked vegetarian aid station and plenty of parking options, this event promises a

End 2026 with a Phoenix run! Medals This is a pick-your-own medal event. If you've had your eye on a Phoenix medal you previously missed out on, please email us to check availability. If the medal is available, we'll let you know and you'll need to book the event to reserve it. Otherwise, you'll be able to choose from the medals available on the day.    The first 90 participants will also get a Phoenix Manchester light weight, microfibre, quick dry towel. Perfect for travel, your sports kit and easy to pack away! This is one of our timed events where you choose - from 5km to 10k, half to marathon to ultra, you can complete as many, or as few, laps as you like of a 5.3km, 3.28 mile, out and back, course along the beautiful River Mersey in Chorlton Water Park.  We welcome all abilities of runners, walkers, joggers, hikers, Jeffers - complete one lap and you're both a finisher and a winner in our eyes, or keep going and see how far you can get in the full 7 hour time limit and everyone gets the fabulous bespoke finishers' medal.  Run a lap and see how you feel on the day and keep on going if it feels right. Race brief: A race brief is sent a week before the event which is mandatory reading for all participants. Chosen charity: Cheshire Cats Rescue Start Time: Earliest start 8am. Rock up and Run 8am onwards.  Registration from 7.30am.  All runners should be finished by 3.30pm Location: Hardy Farm, M21 8FE Race Distance: Minimum distance is 3.28 miles or as far as you can go in 7 hours. Terrain: Off road trail, the terrain is riverside towpath. Aid station: We have a well-stocked vegetarian aid station all day, with many vegan items as well as gluten free/free from items. For example: bananas, dates, jelly sweets, crisps, usually some form of cake, squash, full sugar cola, etc. Allergies: If you have severe and life threatening allergies, please bring your own food, as we cannot guarantee there will be no cross-contamination. Profile: The overall course has very little elevation gain / loss making this a flat and fast route. Toilets and changing rooms available at Race HQ.                    Parking available for 75 cars at Hardy Farm on a first come, first serve basis. Additional Parking for upto 100 cars is available across the river at Sale Water Park (15min walk from the start). There is also additional public and paid parking around Chorlton Water Park.