The Drop - Manchester

The Drop - Manchester

The event is The Drop - Manchester. The next race date given is 04/10/2026. Event headquarters are at Up & Running, Unit 4, Barton Arcade, Manchester M3 2BH; the HQ has moved to this address on the same road. Participants can enter as an individual or as part of a team.

Distances offered:

• 10 miles
• 15 miles

Format and rules

On arrival, participants hand in electronic devices, watches, and navigation aids and receive a race number plus a sealed emergency bag. Competitors board a bus, wear a blackout blindfold (or blackout goggles if preferred), and are driven to a secret drop-off point. From that point, the task is to make their way back to HQ on foot; distances are measured as the crow flies, so the actual ground covered will be longer.

Rules include no GPS (devices must remain sealed in the emergency bag), no maps unless issued by organisers, no shortcuts, and no outside help. Breaking the emergency bag seal leads to disqualification.

Safety and logistics

Live GPS tracking is used for safety and can be shared with others via a password-protected system; login details are sent a few days before the event. Trackers are typically accurate to within 5 metres but may show short gaps near tall buildings or signal black spots. Trackers must be returned after the event or a £175 replacement fee applies. Parking is available in the city centre; the nearest railway station is a 10 minute walk and the bus station is 5 minutes from HQ. FAQs include start times, cut-off times, and kit requirements. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.