​​​

Key information:

• When: 6:50 pm for a 7 pm start

• Meet at: Manchester Aquatics Centre, M13 9SS from 23/10/25

• What: Social urban run

• Distances we run (approx.): 5K, 7.5K, 10K (varies according to exact route, see below)

• Note: access to lockers and showers available at Aquatics Centre (£3)

​

Where do we run?

Our Thursday evening session is an urban run that sets off from the Manchester Aquatics Centre, just off Oxford Road and a short distance from the universities. The routes are around 10K in distance, with options to shorten the run to roughly 5K or 7.5K. Depending on the season, we have three core routes:

• Spring/Summer Route 1 - Bridgewater Canal (plus 5K and 7.5K options)

• Spring/Summer Route 2 – Alexandra Park (plus 5K and 7.5K options)

• Autumn/Winter Route 1 - Alexandra Park (plus 5K and 7.5K options)

• Autumn/Winter Route 2 - Old Trafford (plus 5K and 7.5K options)

• Autumn/Winter Route 3 – University Loop (plus 5K and 7.5K options)

For our Spring/Summer Routes (approx. April to early-September), we alternate between an out-and-back Bridgewater Canal run and a run to Alexandra Park, where we take in a few laps of the park. From mid-September to March, we alternate between three Autumn/Winter Routes along pavements and roads with street lighting; the first goes down to Alexandra Park/Whalley Range and back, the second down to Old Trafford/Chorlton and back, and the third past the University of Manchester and Fallowfield before heading back.

​

How accessible are the routes?

We’ve tried to make our routes as traffic-free as possible, but as this is a large urban area, some traffic will be present, so please exercise caution. We strongly advise that you wear some high-visibility clothing on autumn and winter evenings, as visibility will naturally be poorer. For more information on accessibility and road crossings, read our risk assessments here.

​​

What if I’m new?

We have a first-timers' briefing at our Thursday run, which starts at 6:50 pm in the reception area of the Aquatics Centre. As our most popular weekly run, we also have pace/distance groups on our Thursday run. While subject to availability, these will usually include:

• 5 km @ pace to suit

• 7.5 km @ pace to suit

• 10 km @ sub-50 min pace

• 10 km @ 50 min pace 

• 10 km @ 55 min pace

• 10 km @ 60 min pace

No matter what, we ensure that new runners have someone to run with them at their pace and chosen distance while they learn the route. We let you come to a few initial runs for free to see if we’re the right club for you, but if you want to run with us regularly, we request that you consider joining us as a paid member. Find out more here.​​

​

How do I sign up?

You will get an invite to each session three days in advance via Spond, the app we use for internal club communications. Please confirm your attendance by responding to the invite. If you are not a club member but want to join us, please contact us via email or social media so that we can get you registered on Spond.