Explore Manchester
The UK's second largest city, Manchester is heaving with outdoor events, clubs and adventures - you'd expect nothing less from somewhere with active people and surrounded by rolling moors. Beyond the classic Great Manchester Run, there are a wide range of events to choose from - use this page to discover runs, rides, swims, walks, triathlons, challenges and other outdoor activities in the area.
Map view
- Sun 22 Feb
- £25-£30
Dunham Massey Duathlon
A fun and accesible event, suitable for all levels of athlete to enjoy their Sunday morning. Perfect if you are looking to step into a new sport.
- Super sprint duathlon
- Sprint duathlon
- Sun 22 Feb
- £24-£26
Stockport Trail Half Marathon
The perfect race to add to your calendar as a challenge in its own right, and ideal preparation for the spring marathon season.
- 13.1 miles trail running
- Sun 12 Apr
- £19
The Rivington 10M Trail Challenge
Take on 10 rugged miles across Rivington’s iconic trails, climbing to panoramic summits and racing through wild moorland in the picturesque West Pennine Moors.
- 10.42 miles trail running + 1093 ft ascent
- Sun 19 Apr
- £30
adidas Manchester Marathon
Experience the UK’s friendliest and flattest major marathon with huge crowd support on a route with PB potential plus chunky medals and relay options.
- 26.2 miles road running
- Sun 3 May
- £38-£48
Tour de Manc
A proper northern knees up. 100% not-for-profit charity bike ride. Ride big Northern miles on routes that demand grit, reward effort and deliver a proper, friendly Mancunian celebration.
- Sportive 4
- Sat 30 May
- £22
AJ Bell Junior & Mini Great Manchester Run
Who said grown-ups should have all the fun? Take on the challenge, soak up the atmosphere and discover your superpower! This event is the perfect stage for young runners to shine.
- Fun run 2
- Sun 31 May
- £45-£55
AJ Bell Great Manchester Run
The city’s original and best-loved running event! With a 10K or a half marathon distance to choose from, over 99% of Manchester runners say they’d recommend it to a friend.
- Half marathon
- 10K run
- Sun 12 Jul
- £25
Woodford Community Duathlon
Set amid rural Woodford with its picturesque scenery, this event has something to suit all abilities. There will be a great atmosphere throughout the morning!
- Sprint duathlon
- Sun 12 Jul
- £30
Race the Train - Bury to Rawtenstall
Race a heritage steam train from Bury to Rawtenstall in this fast, point-to-point road challenge along the Irwell Valley, where speed, timing and spectacle collide.
- 10.24 miles trail running + 634 ft ascent
- Sat 18 Jul
- £50-£85
Beyond Manchester
See a little of Manchester’s wild side on an inclusive and welcoming trail route or ultra with a trademark Manchester welcome, outstanding support, views and landmarks. You're going to love it.
- Trail run
- Ultra run
- Sun 4 Oct
- £10-£95
Manchester Half Marathon
Round off your season with a flat, fast half on closed roads, roaring crowd support, and a well-earned chunky medal near Old Trafford.
- 13.1 miles road running + 64 m ascent
- Sun 20 Dec
- £14
Santa Dash
The jolliest run of the year! A festive 4-mile fancy dress race that’s all about fun, community and getting people moving.
- 4.18 miles trail running + 778 ft ascent
- Thu 31 Dec
- £19
Trails and Ales New Years Eve Fell Race
Kick off your New Year's Eve with a scenic 7-mile fell race, complete with a live bagpiper send-off, then celebrate with a private party and prize presentation at the pub!
- 7 miles fell running + 1171 ft ascent