Sport

Manchester’s cross club running social returns for 2026 and biggest summer party yet

And it all helps raise money for a vital Manc cause. (This article contains affiliate links)

Danny Jones - 1st May 2026

Greater Manchester’s now annual cross club running social is BACK for 2026, and 2026 is set to be the biggest to date, making the most of the summer vibes.

We’re already getting very excited for this one.

The Cross Club Social (XCS) first began in 2023 and continues to grow each year, with the organisers continuing to push the budget right to its limits in order to bring the Manc running community one big, beautiful and utterly brilliant bash.

Booking larger venues and putting together an even better schedule each and every year, marathon season is done for most of you – now it’s time to give yourselves a proper, well-deserved break.

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Set up by local runners and DJs turned summer social specialists like Dave ‘Macca’ McLaughlin, the upcoming Cross Club Social is the fourth edition of what has now become the go-to post-race season party.

Toasting not just everyone’s incredible achievements following the likes of the Manchester and London Marathons, but also celebrating the local running culture and various clubs as a whole, it really is the perfect opportunity to reap the rewards after months of training – i.e. with lots of drinks and dancing.

With help this year from Manchester Road Runners‘ (MRR) very own social secretary, Gemma Moore, and some fresh branding from Ancoats Run Club (ARC) member Jack Collier, the programming and full schedule look slicker and more jam-packed than ever.

There’ll be live sets not just from Macca but lots of other talented and cult favourite local DJs, karaoke, a big pub quiz, giveaways and more; in fact, there’s even set to be tiny talks, panels and other mini-mixers within the event itself.

Now spread across three whole rooms at Fairfield Social Club (FSC) over in the Green Quarter, there’s room for all kinds of fun to be had, but the big win is the beer garden, which XCS will be taking over in its entirety. You love to see it.

Here’s a look at how it’s gone down previously:

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Before we go any further, it’s also worth mentioning that this small setup is only run by a few, very dedicated and passionate people who love two things: running and partying, which is what makes their charitable efforts even more moving.

As it has done in the past, CCS ’26 will be teaming up with The 24-Hour Run Against Homelessness, who raise money for the region’s homeless population on behalf of the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity, amassing well over £70k last year alone.

That being said, part of your already very reasonable ticket price goes towards supporting this cause, with early bird tickets priced at just £11.25 (including booking fees), the second release for £13.45, and the final batch still only £15.65.

With lots of clubs already signed up to take part, including MRR, the recently rebooted ‘Just A Run Club’, ARC, Levy Runners, Slow Run Club, Run The Streets – who’ll be hosting an optional social 5k to start the day – and many more, if you’re a runner based in the area, you don’t want to miss this one.

Once again, they’ve got the full venue to themselves all day long, and everyone is welcome; you can secure your spot at Cross Club Social 4 right HERE.