Manchester · United Kingdom
Marathon races near Manchester
9 races in 2026
next one in 9 days
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Race calendar
Upcoming Marathon races near Manchester
JUL 3
11JUL
Run · trail · Marathon
Phoenix Manchester Blaze
Manchester · 5 km away
12JUL
Run · road · Marathon
Ilkley Half Marathon & 5k
Ilkley · 57 km away
12JUL
Run · trail · Marathon
Rasselbock Marathon and Half Marathon
Mansfield · 79 km away
AUG 2
16AUG
Run · road · Marathon
Running Grand Prix Oulton Park August
Little Budworth · 42 km away
22AUG
Run · trail · Marathon
Phoenix Manchester Afterglow
Manchester · 5 km away
+4 more Marathon racesShow fewer ↓
SEP 4
5SEP
Run · road · Marathon
Phoenix Manchester Freddie Purrcury Run
Oldham · 11 km away
18SEP
Run · trail · Marathon
Oktoberfest
Rodley · 32 km away
20SEP
Run · trail · Marathon
Bronte Bike Challenge
Yorkshire · 42 km away
27SEP
Run · trail · Marathon
PFW Running Lancashire Loop Trail Run
Blackpool · 65 km away
Manchester · 80 km
9 races mapped
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Recurring Marathon races near Manchester
Races that repeat — weekly, monthly or yearly
Potters ’Arf Marathon
The Potters 'Arf Marathon is a 13.1-mile half marathon held in Stoke-on-Trent. A walk and relay option are available for those not wishing to complete the full distance. The event also features junior races: a 1K for children aged five to 11 and a 2K for children aged 12 to 16.
Approximately 2,000 participants are anticipated across all formats, including runners, walkers, relay teams, and families with children competing in shorter races. The race concludes in the city centre, where local support. The event raises substantial funds for local charities such as Douglas Macmillan Hospice and The Alice Charity.
Big Cow Sports Delamere Forest Wildwood Trail Series Half Marathon & 10K Trail
Delamere Forest dictates the experience: wide forest trails, sections of single file track, and ample space to find a steady pace beneath the trees. It offers a straightforward woodland race, aligning with the organizers' "trail running revolution" concept, though the route seems more suited for running than technical challenges for the majority of its length.
The course is mostly flat with minor undulations, presenting a challenge to pace yourself for the "sting in the tail" – the "climb Old Pale in the final miles." Effort yields the "stunning view from the top," followed by a return to the finish. A notable detail: dogs are permitted at the start and finish areas but cannot accompany participants on the course.
Priya's Birthday Biryani Dash
Knaresborough Soft Shoe Shuffle
The Knaresborough Soft Shoe Shuffle is a trail running series held in Knaresborough, North Yorkshire. Distances range from approximately 10k to an ultra marathon, with options for a half marathon, 20-miler, and marathon, allowing participants to select their preferred distance.
The route begins in Knaresborough town centre, utilizing a 6.5-mile trail loop. Each race distance is completed by running a specific number of laps. The course features a gradual climb through parkland before following the former railway line connecting Knaresborough and Harrogate. Approximately one week prior to the event, participants receive maps detailing parking, registration, and start-finish locations. It is explicitly stated that the event's start, finish, and registration are not located at Mother Shiptons Cave.
Hubble Bubble & Ghostly Mile
Hubble Bubble & Ghostly Mile is a Halloween running event held on the Leeds to Liverpool Canal at Kirkstall. Race options range from a 1-mile fun run to a 50km ultra. The longer distances include 10K, 10 miles, half marathon, 20 miles, marathon, and ultra, with the Ghostly 1 Mile Fun Run offering a shorter option for children and families.
The course follows a flat, out-and-back path along the canal towpath, providing straightforward navigation and consistent footing instead of a technical trail. The 20-miler consists of two 10-mile laps, and the marathon comprises two half-marathon laps. Costumes are encouraged, with prizes for the best Halloween outfits. All finishers will receive custom medals and Halloween treats. The races are Trail Running Association licensed, and marshals and aid stations will be present to support participants.
Run Alton Towers Half Marathon, 10K & 5K
Run Alton Towers takes place over a weekend within Alton Towers Resort, the UK's largest theme park, with both the start and finish located inside the park grounds. The event offers a 5k, 10k, half marathon, and a 2k children's race, allowing adults, children, beginners, and experienced runners to select a suitable distance. The races are chip-timed, with a family-oriented approach: entry provides theme park access, a themed medal, complimentary race photos, and post-race treats.
The course follows well-marked, smooth paths throughout the resort, featuring kilometre markers, mile markers, and marshals along the way. RunThrough is the organizer, and the race village serves as a meeting point for participants before and after their run. A significant attraction is the opportunity to access the theme park rides after finishing the race without requiring an additional park ticket. The event also partners with Birmingham Children's Hospital charity for places, with fundraising goals for certain entries.
Delamere Forest 10K, 21K & 42K - November
Sea 2 Summit - Offas Dyke Half/Full/Ultra
Sea 2 Summit begins on Prestatyn seafront, leading runners from the coast onto the Offas Dyke footpath in North Wales. The series provides Half Marathon, Marathon, and Ultra distances, all conducted as point-to-point hill races with staggered morning starts to allow slower participants to depart before quicker ones.
The course follows National Trail waymarkers into the Clwydian Hills, with the terrain becoming more challenging as it progresses south. The Half Marathon concludes at Moel y Parc Summit, the Marathon at Moel Gyw Summit, and the Ultra proceeds to Horseshoe Pass Summit, passing checkpoints such as Mynydd y Cwm, Grove Hall near Bodfari, Bwlch Penbarras, and Llandegla. No additional race markers are present on the Offas Dyke Footpath, making navigation reliant on national trail signs until the final ascent. Essential equipment is mandated for the terrain and unpredictable weather, with coach transport available for pre-booking, and all finishers will be awarded a custom wooden medal.
Crikey its the Christmas Cracker Day 1
Crikey Its the Christmas Cracker Day 1 starts and finishes at Hollybush Conservation Centre in Kirkstall, Leeds, with runners heading onto the Leeds and Liverpool Canal towpath. It is a Christmas-themed trail running event in the It’s Grim Up North Running series, with 5K, 10K, half marathon, and marathon options. The flat canal route and good-quality trail make it workable for first-timers, steady club runners, and people using the day for a longer winter run.
The course follows an out-and-back format along the canal, so pacing is simple and the terrain stays straightforward. It is fully marshalled and clearly signed, with feed and drink stations at regular intervals, but it is cup-less, so runners need to bring a reusable cup or bottle. This race is Day 1 of the Christmas Cracker Weekend, and runners can choose one day or both. Race HQ keeps the seasonal theme going with music, food, festive treats, a Christmas tree, and a bespoke Christmas medal for every finisher.
Crikey its the Christmas Cracker Day 2
Crikey It’s the Christmas Cracker Day 2 is a festive trail running event in Kirkstall, Leeds, held at Hollybush Conservation Centre next to the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. Participants can select distances from 5K up to a marathon, with additional longer options in the full event schedule. This event is part of the It’s Grim Up North Running Christmas Cracker Weekend, allowing participants to enter for one day or both. The race begins in the morning, designed for those seeking an organised winter race rather than a difficult, technical trail.
The course follows a flat, well-maintained canal towpath in an out-and-back style, simplifying pacing and offering a good chance for personal bests. The route is marshalled and signed, with aid stations provided. Race HQ embraces the Christmas theme with music, food, decorations, and a Christmas tree, creating a social atmosphere. The event is suitable for various runners: novices attempting a shorter distance, club runners aiming for a fast, flat course, and marathoners wanting a simple canal-side run in West Yorkshire.
Adidas Manchester Marathon
The Adidas Manchester Marathon is a 26.2-mile road race through Greater Manchester, following a fast, flat course. It ranks as the UK's second largest marathon and one of Europe's biggest, drawing participants globally.
The flat course appeals to regular runners aiming for a personal best. Elite athletes and first-time marathoners also start on the same line. Mancunian support lines the route, a distinct local feature of the race.
Manchester Marathon
The Manchester Marathon is known as the UK's flattest marathon course, featuring only 54 metres of climb. This Adidas-sponsored road marathon takes place annually in Greater Manchester since 2012, covering the full 26 miles 385 yards.
The current route begins on Trafford Way and concludes on Oxford Road, passing through Chorlton, Hulme, Old Trafford, Stretford, Sale, Timperley, Altrincham, Urmston, Salford, and Manchester city centre. Previous routes ended at Old Trafford cricket ground and included Manchester United’s stadium, while the current route incorporates a three-mile city-centre loop. Over 21,000 runners completed a recent edition, indicating its status as a large mass-participation event. The race has a notable historical detail: three editions were found to be 380 metres short, leading UK Athletics to invalidate those times. This measurement error was attributed to the calibrated bicycle wheel used for course marking and has since been rectified.
Looking for something else near Manchester?
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Pretty Muddy Manchester
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Derby Mercury Evening TT 6 25 Mile Championship - Long Lane
JUL 856 km away
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Sheffrec CC 19 mile SPOCO
JUL 1145 km away
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Southport CC 10
About Marathon races in Manchester
Manchester Training Ground
Manchester hosts 22 Marathon races in 2026 within 80 km of the city centre — upcoming dates, recurring series, and other races nearby, all in one place.
Locals build easy miles on the Deansgate Canal Loop, the Quays Waterfront, and the route from Castlefield Canal Basin to Salford Quays, where the canal banks run for roughly 4km. Heaton Park Park Run gives you a 5km hit every Saturday at 9am, and Phillips Park works when you want green space near the Etihad Stadium. Ancoats is the perfect spot for a run and cheeky coffee or brunch pit stop. Manchester Frontrunners, Manchester Road Runners, The Run Company Manchester, Manchester Social Runners, Didsbury Runners, and Manchester Run Club keep the week moving. Manchester Marathon and Great Manchester Run are the anchor races.
Locals ride the Fallowfield Loop for traffic-free base miles across south Manchester, then link canal towpaths, NCN 62, NCN 66, and National Cycle Network routes 6 and 60 when the legs want longer Z2. Manchester Wheelers’ Club covers road racing, time trials, and track cycling, while ESV Manchester, Bury Clarion Cycling Club, Allez Prestwich Cycling Club, Ramsbottom Mountain Bike Club, The Woollybacks, Breeze Network Bury, Manchester Social Cycling, and Station South fill the bunch-ride calendar. The Trans Pennine Trail gets you east, and the climbs live out toward the Pennines, West Pennine Moors, South Pennines, and Peak District.
Spring and Summer suit the cleanest blocks, with summer daytime temperatures regularly topping 20°C and recent hot spells occasionally pushing past 30°C. Locals use long evenings for intervals, gran fondo prep, crit legs, and steady towpath runs before work. Winter brings cold compared to other parts of the UK, and snow is not common in the city because the urban warming effect usually wins. The West Pennine Moors, South Pennines, and Peak District get more snow, so runners stay closer to parks and quays while riders watch black ice, lights, and exposed lanes.