Beyond Trails Manchester

Event overview

Beyond Manchester takes place in Manchester on 18 July 2026. Both the start and finish are in the Castlefield area of central Manchester. The event offers two waymarked trail distances:

• 55 km Ultra (listed as 54.3 km)
• 25 km Trail (listed as 25.9 km)

Entries include a finisher's medal, chip timing, GPX route files, feed stations with food and drinks, and medical support. Minimum ages are 20 for the 55 km and 18 for the 25 km. The organiser states the provisional routes are subject to change.

Routes and logistics

Both routes run from the city centre out to the Manchester Ship Canal and through Salford Quays, crossing between the Manchester Canal and the Bridgewater Canal near the Imperial War Museum North and with views of Old Trafford. The 55 km route continues beyond Eccles through disused railway and outer suburbs toward Bolton and Bury, includes more than 10 km on the Irwell Sculpture Trail, then returns into the city centre. The 25 km route follows a shorter variation and meets the River Irwell before returning to Manchester. Surface breakdowns are provided: the 55 km route is 78% paved and 22% unpaved; the 25 km route is 75% paved and 25% unpaved. Feed stations: 3 on the 55 km route and 1 on the 25 km route. Cut off times are enforced to ensure completion by 19:00. GPX files are available for download. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.