Our Social Side
Running definitely forms the cornerstone of our club, but we also exist as part of the diverse LGBTQ+ community in Manchester. For that reason, there is a very strong social element to our running club. We host a variety of socials and other social activities regularly, from days and nights out in Manchester to trips abroad. Once you’re a member, you’ll get invitations and more information about these events on Spond, though we've included a calendar of a few upcoming events for the reference of current and potential members.
OUR SOCIALS
Post-Run Socialising
We socialise regularly after our Thursday and Saturday runs. A group of us usually goes to Via on Canal Street for some complimentary food (buffet of pizza, burgers etc.) after our Thursday run. On Saturdays, some of us go for brunch in Chorlton, usually at The Lead Station.
You don’t have to have run beforehand to come to either of these post-run socials, but if you’re not running, please let us know via the Spond event page if you plan on coming. In particular, please let us know via Spond before Friday lunchtime if you plan on joining us for brunch, as we often need to provide exact numbers in advance.
End-of-month Thursday socials
Although we usually go to Via on a Thursday, we also spice things up every now and then by going to a different restaurant after a Thursday run, usually at the end of the month. Details for these will be available on Spond after a Thursday run.
Post-Race Meals and Drinks
We regularly organise socials, often after local races that many members will have taken part in, (e.g., Manchester Marathon, Great Manchester Run). These can range from sit-down meals to more casual drinks. Please note that there is no obligation for you to have raced in order to attend these socials.
Christmas Meal
We also host a Christmas party, consisting of a three-course meal at a restaurant in Manchester City Centre on a Saturday in December, and many of us go on for drinks afterwards.
At our running club in Manchester, we often throw social events after races
Christmas...it's the most wonderful time of the year for our running club in Manchester to get together!
Some of our members on our annual club holiday to Bilbao, Spain in 2022.
At our running club in Manchester, we often throw social events after races
Club Holiday
Every year, we organise a club holiday. This will usually be to a destination somewhere in Europe where a race is being held (usually one with 10K and half marathon distances available). Recent trips have included Bilbao (2022), Brussels (2023), and Athens (2024). Our October 2025 trip will be to Lisbon. While we organise accommodation and flights individually, we do organise a large club meal at some point, and of course, we do a myriad of additional activities together. All in all, it’s a great way to bond with other club members, and to enjoy some time away!
As an optional extra, some of our members also take part in international LGBTQ+ sports tournaments like the EuroGames and the Gay Games.
Training Weekends
Twice a year (usually February and October), we organise training weekends to other parts of the country, usually more rural places within a one or two hour drive of Manchester. We stay in a YHA hostel from Friday to Sunday, and we do a mix of activities. These include an optional Friday run (5 or 10 km), a Saturday long run (usually 10, 20 and 30 km options), as well as yoga on the Saturday afternoon. We also explore the local area, and many stay on to do a walk or hike on the Sunday. Like the club holidays, it’s a great way to bond with other club members. Previous destinations have included Ambleside, Sherwood Forest, and Conwy.
Manchester Pride
As with many an LGBTQ+ organisation in Manchester, the Pride weekend in late August is very important to us, and a chance for us to all come together. In particular, a large group of us takes part in the parade on the Saturday, all wearing club kit and showcasing the club in all its glory. After the parade, we usually go for drinks, a great way to catch up with other members and celebrate the very spirit of Pride.
In addition to the main Manchester Pride weekend, we also frequently have some presence at some of the smaller, grassroots Pride events in Greater Manchester (e.g., Salford Pride, Pride on the Range in Whalley Range, Didsbury Pride).
Hikes and walks
With some stunning Northern landscapes just a stone's throw from Manchester, we've recently swapped our running shoes for hiking boots and undertaken some club hikes and walks in parts of Lancashire and the Peak District.
Special socials for women, trans and non-binary members
Alongside our regular socials open to all members, we run special events for our "MFR+ group", consisting of our women, trans and non-binary members. Past socials have included meals and bowling nights, and the group often has a special Christmas social in addition to our main Christmas meal.
As an LGBTQ+ running club, we regularly take part in the Manchester Pride parade
In addition to Manchester Pride, we also take part in grassroots Pride events in the Manchester area, such as Chorlton Pride
Some of our members ready to take on the Brussels Half Marathon as part of our club holiday in October 2023
As an LGBTQ+ running club, we regularly take part in the Manchester Pride parade
Upcoming Events
Below is a calendar of some of our upcoming events. Please note that this list is not exhaustive and that some of the exact details may be subject to change. Further details (including invites/payment requests) will be made available to full club members on Spond.
Date | Event |
|---|---|
Thurs 21st to Mon 25th August | Manchester Pride Weekend (incl. parade and post-parade drinks) |
Thurs 25th Sep | End-of-month social (Wagamamas) |
Fri 26th to Sun 28th September | Training Weekend – Grasmere, Lake District |
Thurs 23rd to Mon 27th October* | Club Holiday to Lisbon, Portugal (incl. Lisbon Marathon/Half/8K) |
Mid December | MFR Christmas Party (Venue TBC) |