Phoenix Running - Stretford

Manchester - Phoenix Afterglow

The Manchester Phoenix Afterglow is the third and final event in the Phoenix Running 2026 Summer Series, offering participants a chance to collect three series medals. A new medal for this event series will be revealed in due course.

This is a timed event held at Chorlton Water Park on a 5.3 km, 3.28 mile out and back course along the River Mersey. Participants complete as many laps as they wish within a seven hour time limit. The minimum distance recorded is one lap, equal to 3.28 miles, and all finishers receive a bespoke finishers' medal. Both attended and virtual participants receive a giveaway medal or memento.

Available distances include:

• 5 km
• 10 km
• Half marathon
• Marathon
• Ultra

The route is off road on a riverside towpath and has very little elevation gain or loss. A well stocked vegetarian aid station is available all day, with many vegan and gluten free items. Examples of provided items include bananas, dates, jelly sweets, crisps, cake, squash and full sugar cola. Participants with severe or life threatening allergies are advised to bring their own food. Requests for specific items should be made at least seven days in advance.

Toilets and changing rooms are available at Race HQ. Parking for 75 cars is available at Hardy Farm on a first come, first served basis. Additional parking for up to 100 cars is across the river at Sale Water Park, about a 15 minute walk, and there is further public and paid parking around Chorlton Water Park. The chosen charity is Carrington Animal Rescue and £1 will be donated for every participant to the selected charity. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.