Beyond Trails Manchester

Event overview

Beyond Manchester takes place on 18 July 2026 in the Castlefield area of central Manchester. The event offers two distance options:

• 55 km Ultra
• 25 km Trail

Both distances start and finish in the Castlefield area. The 55 km route is largely city and canal running before heading into outer suburbs and the Irwell Sculpture Trail. The 25 km route follows a similar city-to-canal-to-suburb loop before returning to the city centre.

Route and race information

Routes pass the Manchester Ship Canal, Salford Quays, BBC buildings, the Bridgewater Canal, Imperial War Museum North, Eccles and sections with views of Old Trafford. The 55 km course includes over 10 km on the Irwell Sculpture Trail and finishes through central Manchester past cathedrals and law courts. Surfaces are a mixture of footpaths, parks, woodland trails and canal paths; there are steps in places and parts may be muddy depending on weather. Surface breakdown given: 55 km is 78% paved and 22% unpaved; 25 km is 75% paved and 25% unpaved.

Feed stations: 3 on the 55 km route and 1 on the 25 km route. Entries include chip timing, a fully waymarked route, GPX files to download, feed stations, medical support and a finisher's medal. Age limits: 55 km entrants must be 20 or over; 25 km entrants must be 18 or over. Cut off times are enforced so all participants finish by 19:00. Routes are provisional and subject to change. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.