Oldham · United Kingdom
Marathon races near Oldham
9 races in 2026
next one in 10 days
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Race calendar
Upcoming Marathon races near Oldham
JUL 3
11JUL
Run · trail · Marathon
Phoenix Manchester Blaze
Manchester · 15 km away
12JUL
Run · trail · Marathon
Rasselbock Marathon and Half Marathon
Mansfield · 75 km away
12JUL
Run · road · Marathon
Ilkley Half Marathon & 5k
Ilkley · 47 km away
AUG 2
16AUG
Run · road · Marathon
Running Grand Prix Oulton Park August
Little Budworth · 52 km away
22AUG
Run · trail · Marathon
Phoenix Manchester Afterglow
Manchester · 15 km away
+4 more Marathon racesShow fewer ↓
SEP 4
5SEP
Run · road · Marathon
Phoenix Manchester Freddie Purrcury Run
Oldham
18SEP
Run · trail · Marathon
Oktoberfest
Rodley · 30 km away
20SEP
Run · trail · Marathon
Bronte Bike Challenge
Yorkshire · 33 km away
27SEP
Run · trail · Marathon
PFW Running Lancashire Loop Trail Run
Blackpool · 69 km away
Oldham · 80 km
9 races mapped
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Recurring Marathon races near Oldham
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
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.
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.
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.
Tissington Trail Marathon & Half Marathon
The Tissington Trail Half Marathon is a point-to-point race from Parsley Hay to Ashbourne in Derbyshire. It covers 13 miles along a disused railway line that formerly connected Ashbourne with Buxton. Participants can run on Saturday or Sunday. The course is traffic-free, multi-terrain, and gently slopes downhill, making it suitable for those new to the half marathon distance or runners aiming for a fast finish.
Race headquarters are located at Ashbourne Leisure Centre. Coaches transport runners to the start at Parsley Hay, from where they return to Ashbourne. The route offers views of the Derbyshire Dales. The event sells out prior to race day and includes a custom medal, complimentary race photographs, and awards for top finishers.
Looking for something else near Oldham?
Other races in the next 90 days
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JUL 413 km away
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JUL 414 km away
swimming
MediaCityUK Swim Challenge
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cycling
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Kent Valley RC 10 NLTTA Spoco
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Sheffrec CC 19 mile SPOCO
JUL 1177 km away
triathlon
Ripon Triathlon Festival
About Marathon races in Oldham
Oldham Training Notes
Oldham hosts 21 Marathon races in 2026 within 80 km of the city centre — upcoming dates, recurring series, and other races nearby, all in one place.
Locals run Oldham for training, with Alexandra Park offering paved paths, gentle slopes, and open green spaces in the center of town. Oldham Parkrun uses Alexandra Park, while Chadderton Hall Parkrun and Uppermill Junior Parkrun keep Saturdays easy to sort. Up & Running Oldham Social Run Group meets at the Huddersfield Road shop at 7pm every Tuesday for a gentle 5K run. Dovestone Reservoir suits running round the reservoir, and Route 3 from Lakeside Car Park runs 5 km with hills and woodland sections. Royton Trail Race, Naden Valley Multi-terrain Race, Knowl Hill Fell Race, and X-Trail 10K feel like anchor events.
Locals ride Oldham with climbing never far away, because Saddleworth and the South Pennines rise east toward Woodward Hill. Oldham Century RC gives the race crowd a Club Racing base, and Positive Cycles, Ghazali Trust, and GROWE keep more riders moving around Oldham and Failsworth. Rochdale Canal flat towpaths work for Z2, recovery spins, and winter base miles. Towngate Tea Room & Deli makes a 43mi round-trip cafe ride from Oldham with 31% traffic-free riding. Popup Bikes makes a 17mi round-trip with 46% traffic-free riding. Tandle Hill Country Park and Oldham Edge give the cyclocross and singletrack mindset something local.
Oldham suits steady training because the Pennine edge gives you firm paths, rolling terrain, open moorland, woodland trails, and canals without much faff. Summer stays relatively cool, so locals can do intervals in Alexandra Park, Z2 laps by the Rochdale Canal, or stride out to Saddleworth Museum without overheating. Winter stays mild, but wet ground changes the feel for both sports. Runners lean harder on paved paths, park loops, and parkrun rhythm, while cyclists keep base miles flatter on towpaths or pick the cafe rides when the roads and legs feel ready.