Get ready to leave the pavement behind and explore a side of Manchester few ever see.

BEYOND MANCHESTER by WILD DEER EVENTS is back on Saturday 18th July 2026 – and it’s more than just a run. With a 55km ULTRA route and a 25km TRAIL RUN for runners and walkers, this is an outdoor adventure that ventures deep into the greenbelt and untamed edges beyond the city. 

From the start in the Cathedral Gardens, the 55km ULTRA route takes runners through the city to the Manchester Ship Canal. Turning south on the canal, you’ll wind through the Salford Quays and past the BBC buildings. Prepare for some sights: crossing from the Manchester Canal to the (much smaller) Bridgewater Canal, you’ll wind past the Imperial War Museum North and catch a glimpse of Old Trafford. Then, you’ll pass through Eccles and the route changes from canal to disused railway. You’ll head north through the outer suburbs of the city, reaching Bolton and then heading east towards Bury. You’ll do over 10 km on the Irwell Sculpture Trail (look out for great views over the Irwell valley!) then head back into the city centre. The final stretch is packed with cathedrals, law courts and lots of other historical buildings. Iconic - just like you.

From the start in the Cathedral Gardens, the 25km Beyond MCR route runs through the streets of the city to the Manchester Ship Canal. Turning south, runners then wind their way through the Salford Quays and past the BBC buildings. Here the route crosses from the Manchester Canal to the Bridgewater Canal, bringing runners past the Imperial War Museum North and views of Old Trafford. Passing through Eccles, runners then head west to meet the River Irwell before heading back into Manchester City Centre. The final section takes you past some of Manchester’s finest historical buildings, including law courts and cathedrals. Take a bow - you’ve smashed it.

What You Get

- Bespoke Finishers Medal

- Wild Deer Merchandise

- Fully Signed Route

- Chip Timing

- Feed Stations

- GPX file of the route

- Medical Support

- Finish Line Refreshments

Event Location

Beyond Manchester 55km Ultra and 25km Start and Finish : Cathedral Gardens, Corporation St, Manchester M4 3BG

Google maps location here

What3Words: ///haven.drag.preoccupied

The start line and finish line is the same location for both race distances

CUT OFF TIME is 6:00pm. At this time we will officially start the pack down process at the finish. We will have sweeps on the course that will be taking down signage behind the last runner. 

Start Times

55km Start- Registration will be open from 7am. The official start will be from 8:00am. A staggered start, setting the runners off in small groups. 

25km Start- Registration will be open from 9am. The official start will be from 10:00am. A staggered start, setting the runners off in small groups. 

Bag Drop

There is a Bag Drop available for both races at Registration.

Feed Station Locations

There are 3 Feed Stations on the 55km route, and 1 on the 25km route. All have toilets and first aid available. 

55km

Feed Station 1 (15.5km along the route): Waterside Bar, Rooms and Restaurant, 1 Parrin Lane, Monton, M30 8AN

What3Words: ///wonderfully.crew.slam

Feed Station 2 (30.8km along the route): Leverhulme Park Community Leisure Centre, Long Lane, Bolton BL2 6EB

What3Words: ///scout.smug.closet

Feed Station 3 (47.1km along the route): Drinkwater Park, Prestwich, M45 7JZ

What3Words: ///chops.forced.smile

25km

Feed Station 1 (15.5km along the route): Waterside Bar, Rooms and Restaurant 1 Parrin Lane, Monton, M30 8AN

What3Words: ///wonderfully.crew.slam

Getting there:

Public transport is the easiest way to get to the Beyond Manchester start.