Phoenix Manchester Friday Frolic

Get ready for an exciting day of running at the Phoenix Manchester Friday Frolic, organized by Phoenix Running Manchester! Mark your calendars for Friday, November 13, 2026, as this vibrant event takes place in the scenic setting of Chorlton Water Park, Manchester, Lancashire. Whether you're a seasoned marathoner or just looking to enjoy a leisurely jog, there’s something for everyone with race distances ranging from a minimum of 5km (3.28 miles) to ultra-marathon options. You can choose to complete as many laps as your heart desires on the beautiful 5.3km out-and-back course alongside the picturesque River Mersey. With a generous 7-hour time limit, participants can start as early as 8 am, with registration opening at 7:30 am. Runners of all abilities are welcome, and every participant will receive a fabulous bespoke finishers' medal, celebrating your achievement, no matter how far you go. The event features a well-stocked vegetarian aid station, ensuring you stay fueled up throughout the day. So gather your friends and family for a memorable Friday filled with fun, fitness, and community spirit at the Phoenix Manchester Friday Frolic!

Phoenix Manchester is bringing you another Friday event - at the request of our runners! 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: TBC 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.