Social Events
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.
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 pizza after our Thursday run. On the last Thursday of every month, we go to a different bar or restaurant for our end-of-the-month social. 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 need to provide exact numbers in advance.
Meals and Drinks
We regularly organise socials 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.
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.
Club Holiday
Every year, we organise a club holiday. This will usually be to a destination to somewhere in Europe where a race is being held (usually one with 10K and half marathon distances available). Previous destinations have included Munich, Reykjavik, and Bilbao. In 2023, we’ll be heading to Brussels for the Brussels Marathon weekend (10K, full and half marathon options available). 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!
Training Weekends
Twice a year, we organise training weekends to other parts of the country, usually more rural places within a two or three-hour drive of Manchester. We stay in a YHA hostel from Friday to Sunday, and we not only do a series of run (including a long run on the Saturday), but also other activities including yoga and walking. Like the club holidays, it’s a great way to bond with other club members. Previous destinations have included Ambleside, Castleton, 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.
Special socials for women and more
Alongside our regular socials open to all members, we run special events for our non-cis male members, including female members (both cis and trans), as well as trans male and non-binary members. Past socials have included meals and bowling nights.