Beyond Trails Manchester

Beyond Manchester - trail and ultra running in Manchester

Scheduled for 18 July 2026, Beyond Manchester is a trail and ultra running event that starts and finishes in the Castlefield area of central Manchester. The event offers urban and greenbelt running that leaves the tarmac for canals, parks and trail sections.

Distances

• 55 km ultra, approx 54.3 km, three feed stations
• 25 km trail, approx 25.9 km, one feed station

The 55 km route leaves Castlefield and follows city streets to the Manchester Ship Canal, then turns south through Salford Quays past BBC buildings. The route crosses from the Manchester Canal to the Bridgewater Canal, passes the Imperial War Museum North and offers views of Old Trafford, then continues through Eccles, on disused railway paths, through outer suburbs to Bolton and east towards Bury. Runners spend over 10 km on the Irwell Sculpture Trail before returning to the city centre, finishing past cathedrals, law courts and other historic buildings.

The 25 km route also runs from Castlefield to the Ship Canal, through Salford Quays and past the Imperial War Museum North, then via Eccles and the River Irwell back into Manchester city centre for a finish among historic buildings.

The course mixes paved and unpaved surfaces (55 km: 78% paved, 22% unpaved; 25 km: 75% paved, 25% unpaved). Expect footpaths, parks, woodland trails, canal paths, some steps and potentially muddy sections. Entries include a fully waymarked route, GPX files, chip timing, feed stations, medical support and a finisher's medal. Age limits apply: minimum 20 years for the 55 km and 18 years for the 25 km. Strict cut off times will be enforced to ensure completion by 19:00. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.