5K Running Events in Manchester 2026–2027

This is the third and final event in a brand-new 2026 Summer Series - and a chance to collect 3 fabulous medals! Race 1 - Phoenix Ignite - Sat 13th June and our first birthday! Race 2 - Phoenix Blaze - Saturday 11th July Race 3 - Phoenix Afterglow - Saturday 22nd August 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. Places will be strictly limited so don't leave it too late to enter. Chosen charity:  We will be donating £1 for every participant to a selected charity. (For example, if we have 100 entries, we will donate £100). 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. If you'd like us to bring anything specific due to allergies, please let us know atleast 7 days in advance. 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.

Pure Running, Precisely Measured. MCTF Run The Track 5km & 10km Step onto the track and rediscover what running is really about. Our 5km and 10km races bring the sport back to its purest stage — a proper athletics track, a limited field, and every single lap that matters. Held across the country through late summer and autumn, these relaxed afternoon races run from 2pm/2:30pm with racing complete by 5:30pm, and they're open to every kind of runner — whether you're chasing a personal best or simply lacing up to enjoy the distance at your own pace. Every heat is set by expected finishing time, so you'll always be running alongside similarly paced runners, and with deliberately small fields you'll never be lost in a crowd — just you, the track, and the steady rhythm of the laps ticking by. Every runner gets the full championship treatment. Personal split-lap chip timing captures each and every lap, so you can see exactly how you paced your race from start to finish, while overall chip timing gives you a clean, accurate finish time to be proud of. Cross the line and you'll earn a bespoke medal, custom-designed for the series and yours to keep as a mark of the day. No traffic, no potholes, no getting lost — just flat, fast, honest running on a surface built for it. With early-entry places from just £17 for the 5km and £23 for the 10km, it's premium racing at a friendly price. Limited places, big atmosphere — secure your spot and run your best.

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.

From Run Fanatics

STYLES-ATHON 5K & 10K – Harry Themed Run Join us for the STYLES-ATHON 5K & 10K Fun Run – a Harry themed run like no other! Whether you're a seasoned runner or a devoted Styles fan, this event is for everyone who wants to celebrate the music and summer vibes while enjoying a scenic 5K or 10K run, walk or dance through Heaton Park.

JOIN US FOR THE RETURN OF THE RUN HEATON 5K, 10K, HALF MARATHON & KIDS RACE 2026 SERIES ON SUNDAY 11th OCTOBER 2026! This large park, just north of Manchester and home to a Grade 1 listed neoclassical 18th-century house, is the perfect setting for a fun day out. Running on the paths within Heaton Park, this race is a great opportunity for a chip timed personal best. There will be refreshments and a fantastic themed Heaton Park medal. START TIMES: Half Marathon – 9.30am 10k – 10:00am 5k – 10.10am Kids- 12:00pm

Priya's Birthday Biryani Dash Change of location for this event. The venue of this event is Hardy Farm. Vegan Biryani included for early birds!! 50 Early birds (first 50 entries) will get Vegan Biryani from Fozia's Kitchen along with their medal! So, don't leave it too late. We have brought this event back as it was hugely requested as people loved the biryani run in 2025. Start time: "Rock up and run" when you're ready 8.30am onwards. All runners should be finished by 3.30pm. We don't have official start time, if you have any special requests on start times, please email us and we will do our best to accommodate you. Aid Station As always, we'll have a well-stocked aid station available all day for everyone, regardless of distance. Options usually include crisps, pretzels, cookies, biscuits, bananas, squash, water, and more. Facilities Toilets and registration will be at Hardy Farm.  Parking: Car parking for 75 cars in Hardy Farm. Public parking available in Sale Water Park.   An email briefing will be sent 7 days in advance with all up to date information.

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.

2026 ENTRIES ARE NOW OPEN. TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO GET YOUR ENTRY AT OUR VERY BEST RATES AS WELL AS ENSURING YOU HAVE YOUR MORUN PLACE FOR NOVEMBER! MoRunning brings everyday people together with our focus being to inspire you, your family, your kids and your friends to have the best time running! When you MoRun you will be inspired to acheive your goals, you will run with a smile on your face, you will meet incredible people and in turn help us raise awareness and fundraising for our partner charity Movember. Take on our 5k MoRun, 10k MoRun or step up the challenge and give our Half Marathon a go! Let's not forget the kids as they can now take on our fully race chipped 1.5k Mini MoRun. Let's MOVE for Movember and make this November the biggest ever month that MoBro's, MoSista's and Mini MoRunners come together across the country. It's time to CREATE MEMORIES!

JOIN US FOR THE RETURN OF THE RUN HEATON 5K, 10K, HALF MARATHON & KIDS RACE 2026 SERIES ON SUNDAY 29th NOVEMBER 2026! This large park, just north of Manchester and home to a Grade 1 listed neoclassical 18th-century house, is the perfect setting for a fun day out. Running on the paths within Heaton Park, this race is a great opportunity for a chip timed personal best. There will be refreshments and a fantastic themed Heaton Park medal. START TIMES: Half Marathon – 9.30am 10k – 10:00am 5k – 10.10am Kids- 12:00pm

Are you ready for another Feisty and Fluffy Phoenix Run? We have a very special giveaway to the first 50 sign ups for this event, a limited edition Phoenix Manchester soft toy - this time in yellow! A soft toy to match our Feisty Phoenix medal! You have another chance to get a soft-toy if you missed out on the fluffy Phoenix the first time around. Only the first 50 will get this soft toy, so don't leave it too late. Event Details Location: Hardy Farm M21 8FE Please note the location of this event is now Hardy Farm. Start time: "Rock up and run" when you're ready 8.30am onwards. All runners should be finished by 3.30pm. We don't have official start time, if you have any special requests on start times, please email us and we will do our best to accommodate you. Aid Station As always, we'll have a well-stocked aid station available all day for everyone, regardless of distance. Options usually include crisps, pretzels, cookies, biscuits, bananas, squash, water, and more. Facilities Toilets and registration will be at Hardy Farm. Parking: Parking available for 75 cars at Hardy Farm on a first come, first serve basis. More parking is avialable in nearby streets and Sale Water Park. An email briefing will be sent 7 days in advance with all up to date information.

Join us this post-Xmas festive bank holiday with a medal to match the festive season.     Calling all prosecco fans, you're not going to want to miss this medal! 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: Destitute Animals Shelter, Bolton 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.

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.

Celebrate the month of love at one of Manchester's favourite running venues. Whether you're celebrating with someone special, bringing a friend, or hoping your perfect match is waiting on the start line, this is the race for you! Choose from a 5K, 10K, Half Marathon or our Couples Relay, where each runner takes on a 5K before handing over to their partner. Set within the beautiful surroundings of Heaton Park, the multi-lap course offers a friendly atmosphere, plenty of support, chip timing, water stations and a bespoke finisher's medal for every participant. Who knows... you might leave with a PB, a medal, or even a date!

From Run Fanatics

ABBATHON brings together the fun of an ABBA tribute show with the buzz of a 5K or 10K run. Whether you’re a seasoned runner, a complete beginner, or simply a devoted ABBA fan, ABBATHON is designed to be welcoming, accessible and full of feel-good energy from start to finish. Run, jog, walk or dance your way around the course through one of the city’s most iconic parks, with ABBA hits keeping the atmosphere high every step of the way. Whether you’re chasing a PB, running your first 5K, or just here for the ABBA vibes, ABBATHON is all about enjoying every step. We’re taking the tribute act out of the pub and into the park for the whole family to enjoy, combining live music, a DJ, on-course music guides, professional photography and finisher’s medals to create a fully immersive themed race experience. From the live tribute performance to the music around the course and finisher’s medal, ABBATHON is a feel-good running experience like no other. Don’t miss your chance to be part of it.

The Ultra Loop is an inclusive and flexible 8-hour running event with no limit on how far you can run. Within the 8 hours, you are encouraged to run as many loops as you can. The mixed-terrain course combines roads and trails around a 5km loop and no matter how many loops you run, you receive a finishing time and medal. The event takes place at Heaton Park in Manchester, UK where you experience the park in full as you run by Boating Lake and Heaton Hall and explore the trails and streams of the woodland. You can enter on either Saturday 20th or Sunday 21st, or take on the double by running both days and combining your total distance.