Dubbed as the UK’s ‘fastest-growing ultra’ run, not to mention perfect for beginners looking to get into the craze, and its picturesque setting is located more than an hour and a half away in the Lakes.
Revolving around one of Britain’s most beautiful National Parks, you can get there in less than 90 minutes, and it’s also easily reachable via public transport if you’re willing to make the journey.
Let’s be honest, if you’re the kind of person who enjoys running long distances, a few hours on trains and buses is a drop in the ocean.
Founded in 2023, the Altra 13 Valleys Ultra over in the Lake District has seen a bigger attendance every year, with a 60% increase in registrations year-on-year, and with such stunning scenery to take in whilst trekking through the hills, it’s no wonder.
The trail and ultra marathon phenomenon is one that, rather fittingly, looks to be constantly on the up, with seemingly a huge uptake not just here in Greater Manchester but across the country in general.
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A great sport to take up early and often turned to later in life, the benefits go without saying; then, taking into account events in places as gorgeous as this World UNESCO Heritage Site, it’s no wonder this particular race is seeing even bigger crowds.
Ticking off famous Wainwrights and other bucket list destinations like Borrowdale, Buttermere, Coniston, Langdale and Ullswater; the Theatre finish line at Keswick, and of course, Windermere, plenty simply turn to the 13 Valleys Ultra for the views and accessibility – especially if you live here in the North West.
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We don’t need to tell you how jaw-dropping the Cumbrian landscape can be at times, but the promotion hosted by beloved running brand Altra really has put together a wonderful whirlwind tour of the region that you can enjoy on foot.
Credit: Press shot (supplied via Altra/Get the Affect)
Now into its fourth year, with people already gearing up for 2027, too, it’s fair to say that this is fast becoming one of the most in-demand trail races on the national circuit and endurance calendar.
Speaking to The Manc, Event Director Colin Murphy told us: “Not everyone wants to tackle 100 miles, and that’s exactly why the 2 Valleys has become such an exciting part of the Altra 13 Valleys Ultra weekend.
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“It’s an adventure that’s within reach for so many people, runners and walkers alike, giving them the chance to experience the incredible Lake District, soak up the event atmosphere and challenge themselves in a completely new way. We want people to realise that ultra and trail events aren’t just for elite athletes; the 2 Valleys proves there’s a place for everyone on the start line.’”
That being said, walkers are also welcome, of course, and they also have shorter variations for those just starting out on the trail scene or looking for an easier race, but we’ll get on to that in a minute…
We’re always blown away by the people who can add elevation into already big enough tests; for instance, this bloke is taking on the biggest mountain in England as part of a wider charity challenge.
It’s worth noting that you don’t need to do the ‘full thing’, as the organisers offer four different routes when it comes to length, with total distances ranging from 22 kilometres and going all the way up to a whopping 180km. Gulp.
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George Thorpe – long-distancerunner, 33, who is taking on the 2026 challenge –is following in his fiancée and former participant’s footsteps, insisting that running has shown him he’s “stronger than I ever imagined”, while also providing an escape into nature, improving mental wellbeing and introducing him to a supportive community that encourages everyone to achieve more than they think possible.
The 22k/half-marathon version is a super popular choice, having already sold 70% of their entire allocation for this year, as you get a little bit of everything: an ideal intro to trail running, a mix of road and trail, the scenic course, a great crowd of mixed abilities, and once again, walking is encouraged.
So whether you’re an ultra-marathon addict, a runner looking to make things up, or just a rambler looking to cop a medal for your next outing, keep Friday, 25 – Sunday, 27 September 2026 free in your calendar.
You can find out more about the Altra 13 Valleys Ultra, see if any of them suit you, and sign up for the 2026 edition right HERE.
Featured Images — Publicity pictures (supplied via Get the Affect)
Sport
A local Manchester run club is holding two special running routes to see the total eclipse
Danny Jones
With the highly anticipated total eclipse fast approaching, people not just here in Greater Manchester but all over the UK, Europe and the rest of the world are gearing up to try and watch it – but this native running club are doing it a bit differently.
Eclipses occur once every 12-18 months, but this is set to be the biggest since 1999.
The moon is set to cover approximately 96-98% of the sun this coming Wednesday, 12 August, 2026, and rather than try to watch it from a window at home or drive to somewhere with supposedly ‘the best view’, local sports club Manchester Road Runners are turning it into their latest one-off event.
Sharing details online, the free-to-join local organisation, which boasts thousands of members on Facebook and various other platforms, will be timing things to make sure they catch the phenomenon.
Writing in the accompanying caption, the Road Runners say: “We’ve pulled some strings and have a very special event taking place on August 12th, a solar eclipse! Come run with us under a darkened sun next Wednesday from The Wharf at 18:30, with peak moon coverage expected at around 19:10.”
Better still, they’re also teaming up with their trail running spin-off club for an even more scenic twist on the evening excursion.
“If you prefer to experience your solar phenomena under the wide open skies”, they go on to write, “our friends over at Trail Division will be holding a hike/run off road, meet at Piccadilly Station at 18:00 to get shady in the great outdoors.”
Fortunately, they have issued an important disclaimer, going on to remind runners that “while beautiful and majestic, the sun should NEVER be directly looked at in the face unprotected”, signing off by adding, “Respect the sun, respect your peepers, stay ocularly safe out there.”
If you’ve never come across MRR before, they’re probably the biggest run club in the entire Greater Manchester region and their social-first jogs, intervals, track sessions and more revolve around meeting back up with your mates for a wholesome pint and a chat.
For many, it’s the biggest and the best in the city.
As for the eclipse run, it’s set to be a very magical variation on their usual Wednesday evening meets.
Quite rightly, they also point out in the post that you can actually buy certain glasses to view eclipses on these rare occasions, with search traffic often ramping up in and around these events.
Meanwhile, the Trail Division branch is yet to confirm the route for their run/hike, but it will most likely remain in the nearby North West vicinity; keep your eyes peeled on their social media pages (linked above) for more information and other upcoming trail events.
Speaking of trail runs, there’s a pretty beautiful albeit challenging one coming up next month…
Stunning vistas, walkers welcome, and multiple distances available.🏃♂️🥾
And the best part? It's less than 90 minutes away from Manchester. 🏞️
Rodri makes ‘preference’ clear as Barcelona and Real Madrid push to sign Man City star
Danny Jones
Ballon d’Or winner and Manchester City star Rodri has reportedly made his ‘preference’ clear as both Real Madrid and FC Barcelona have ramped up efforts to sign him this summer.
The European and now World Champion is well and truly within ‘completing football’ territory at this point, but now looks set for a return to his home country to conquer La Liga.
Well, sort of, as according to Forbes and other outlets, the world-class central defensive midfielder looks to have ‘chosen’ Barcelona over Madrid, with the deal now progressing beyond just player talks.
However, as the BBC and various other sources have now reported, City have already rejected an initial bid of approximately £38.5 million and will keep holding out for a larger fee for one of, if not their most important player.
Sharing an even more recent update, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has stated that, as well as the decision having now been made over the Spanish giants and “personal terms agreed”, the Rodri move has now entered the “key stages” with direct negotiations between the two clubs.
Initial contract talks are said to have already taken place, and with the Spaniard having come through the Atlético Madrid youth ranks before returning there as a senior player prior to his big-money move to Manchester, a switch to the other side of the city and ‘Los Blancos’ was always going to be a tall task.
As per Romano, Barca are extremely keen on securing Rodri, but as always, price will be the sticking point. Although the Blues have made it very clear that they want more if he is to leave, the Catalan club are confident they’ll be able to close the deal before the end of the transfer window.
It’s rumoured that the asking price is somewhere closer to £60m, although who knows what the final number would be when factoring in add-ons and other bonuses, etc.
Meanwhile, City are obviously hoping to keep hold of their Euro 2024 and 2026 World Cup winner if they can; they’re said to be trying their best to keep him at the table and tie him down to a new and even more lucrative contract.
On the other hand, they have brought in an already extremely highly rated player in Elliot Anderson, who looks set to be their crucial cog in the middle of the park for a long time to come at just 23 years old.
Do you think it’s the right fit, if he has indeed ‘picked’ the Blaugrana?
All that being said, it’s hard for any player to look the other way when an offer comes in from two of the biggest clubs in the world, let alone Spain – especially when the player is from there and has won everything there is to win in their current league.
Rodri only turned 30 back in June, and despite having numerous injury problems over the past couple of seasons, there is still an evident faith that new MCFC boss Enzo Maresca can build a fresh squad around him in the pivot.
What do you think, Cityzens: is now the right time to try and get a good price for him, or should he stick around at the Etihad for the remainder of his already glittering career?
Elsewhere in transfer news, both big Manc clubs and a number of other suitors across Europe are supposedly interested in signing a young striker currently playing in Ireland…
Danny Jones -
14th July 2026 
