BigXmas Trail Festival

BigXmas Trail Festival, Sale Water Park, 13 December 2026

BigXmas Trail Festival is the fifth edition of an event offering three trail race distances around Sale Water Park and surrounding greenspace in Greater Manchester. The event is chip timed and the courses are fully marked and marshalled. Aid stations are provided on the Half Marathon and Marathon routes. Finishers receive a bespoke medal or can opt to have a tree planted instead. Mince pies and mulled wine are available at the finish.

Each race starts and finishes at Sale Water Park and follows trails that pass Chorlton Water Park and the River Mersey. The Marathon route follows the Trans Pennine Trail to Little Bollington and returns along the Bridgewater Canal. Free car parking is available at Sale Water Park with nearby overflow options.

Marathon runners must be able to carry at least 500 ml of fluid. Mandatory and recommended kit includes a waterproof jacket, hat, gloves, buff, and a mobile phone. Runners are advised to download the GPX file of their route onto a watch or mobile device. Bag drop tents are provided in the start and finish area. Canicross entries are not accepted. Cut off times are set at 3.5 hours for the Half Marathon and 7 hours for the Marathon; there is no cutoff for the 11 km race. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

• 11 km - £30
• Half Marathon - £40
• Marathon - £50