Key information:

• When:  6:45 pm start (please arrive from 6:30 pm to allow for check-in and a prompt start)

• Meet at: Manchester Regional Arena,  Etihad Campus, M11 3FF

• What: Interval training session (click here to view upcoming session outlines, or scroll down)

Our Track Tuesday sessions are made up of an interval training session, as well as a warm-up, drills to improve running technique, cool down, and a short core and stretching session. The main objective is to improve your speed and increase fitness through interval training, as well as to improve running form. These sessions are suitable for anyone who can run at least 5 km and wants to improve their running form.

Please note that our Tuesday sessions are intended for members only. However, if you are actively considering joining the club, have been to at least one of our Thursday or Saturday runs, AND have experience of track and interval training, please speak to one of our committee members or run leaders about trying out a session.

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Why do track?

Track builds endurance, stamina, and fitness. It also allows you to burn more calories, increase anaerobic capacity (your body’s ability to generate oxygen during intense exercise), increase muscle mass, and lower your heart rate. By attending track regularly, you should therefore become a better, faster runner and sustain gain new PBs in races. Yet even if your aim isn’t to race or to get faster, it’s a great workout and a chance to socialise with other Frontrunners!

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When and where do we meet?

We use the track at the Manchester Regional Arena, across from Manchester City’s Etihad Arena. We aim to start sharply at 6:45 pm, so please allow time to pay/sign in and change.

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How do I sign up, and are there costs?

You will get an invite to each track session two days in advance via Spond, the app we use for internal club communications. Please confirm your attendance using by responding to the invite.

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Although we don't charge members to attend these sessions, you will need to pay to enter the track. To facilitate the process, please sign up for a free MCR Active pay-as-you-go account via the Better UK website (choose National Squash Centre and Regional Arena as your home centre, then select the £0.00 MCR Active single payment option) and download the Better UK app. 

The price varies, but is reduced to £3.25 (non-City of Manchester resident) or £2.75 (City of Manchester resident) via the MCR Active scheme. When booking on the app, choose the 19:00 block – Lane 1 and 2 Middle Distance.

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How do I get there?

The nearest Metrolink tram stop is Ethiad Campus, which is the easiest way regarding public transport. Parking is also available, though may be limited, especially if there is a match on at the Etihad stadium or the Co-op Live arena.

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NOTE: If attending on gig days (see below for schedule), please be mindful of the increased traffic in the area. Our recommendation is to use the tram or cycle. If choosing to drive, please set out in good time. In the football season and on Manchester City match days, we may change venue, such as to Longford Park in Stretford. If this happens, it will be communicated via Spond.

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What happens at a Track Tuesday session?

Our Track Tuesday sessions usually consist of five distinct parts:

• Warm-up: jog around the perimeter of the track, plus some warm-up exercises.

• Drills for improving running form and dynamic stretches to prepare the body for faster running.

• Interval training, for which we normally offer two sessions:

  • Shorter, faster reps for improving your Vo2max, particularly good for 5/10k training; or

  • Longer, slightly slower reps at threshold pace, better if training for half or full marathons.

• Core work to increase strength and help prevent injuries.

• Stretches to cool down and improve flexibility.

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Where can I store items or get changed?

There are some showers and changing facilities at the Manchester Regional Arena, though we usually turn up ready to run. Lockers are available but require a pound coin deposit to operate.

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