For those who love to run or simply lap up the outdoors, a scenic trail event from Manchester all the way to the Peak District is happening this summer.
Whether you fancy running, walking or hiking it, doing a full marathon or a slightly more leisurely 25 kilometres, Trail Escape Manchester 2026 might just be up your street – well, ‘desired path’, maybe.
Yes, with the North West region at large kicking off the New Year well and truly in its running era, yet another endurance event has popped up.
However, if trotting along tarmac isn’t quite your thing, this one that heads up into the hills is a great alternative; plus, you can do it at your own pace and, as mentioned, choose your distance.
Taking place right at the start of the warmest and brightest season, meaning you have the chance of the best weather and the most light possible, Trail Escape MCR 2026 is exactly as advertised: a big long route spanning all the way from one of our best green spaces and up into the Peaks.
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Setting off from Phillips Park just a couple of miles beyond the city limits, which lays within the valley of the River Medlock, it’s one of the oldest, largest and most beautiful parks anywhere in the 10 boroughs.
As for the Peak District itself, we don’t need to tell you pretty the vistas are up there: all you may require is a little lay of the land, or rather a teaser.
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The best part about these kinds of experiences is enjoying the terrain unfurling itself in front on you.
Starting in central Manchester and preferring as many traffic-free turns on the route as possible, they promise “rolling hills, fields, lakes and woodland beyond”, with the high-point looping around Hartshead Pike up in Tameside.
Participants will of course end back here in Manchester city centre, where the celebrations are sure to be jubilant, and there’s plenty of time for spectators to enjoy local pubs, cafes and more in Mossley before catching everyone at the finish line.
Now, it’s worth reiterating that while this is a timed event, it is NOT a race; any and all attempts at doing this particualrly quickly are completely down to you.
The real beauty of this event, besides the stunning panoromic views stretching across the Peaks and eventually the Manchester skyline off in the distance, is the joy of discovering these landscape that you might otherwise have witnessed solo.
Better still, with this being a full supported event, there’ll be plenty of aid stations throughout the duration, whether you’re doing the 25k or a full trail mara. Sound like a bit of you? Find out more information, including where to sign up, right HERE.
Gosh, all this talk of trails has us fancying a jog and a casual little pint afterwards…
Featured Images — Trail Escape (publicity pictures)
Sport
Wayne Rooney ‘agrees’ to bizarre bet ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-finals
Danny Jones
England and Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has seemingly roped himself into a bizarre bet of his own making after yet more teams booked their place in the quarter-final stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
It’s not quite Gary Lineker doing Match of the Day in his underpants after Leicester won the league, level, but we’d still pay to see it.
However, after the bedlam following England booking their spot in the quarter-finals this morning (feels odd to say and we’re still not quite sure what day it is), you might be surprised to learn it has nothing to do with the Three Lions’ historic victory.
It does have to do with who they’ll be facing in their next game, though: Norway, as Rooney seemed confident enough in his prediction that the Scandinavian side wouldn’t make it into the final eight that he wagered he’d row down the River Mersey. Well, they did…
Yes, in case you missed it, the Norwegians did make it past Brazil with a 2-1 win – and, of course, more goals for Erling Haaland – before Thomas Tuchel’s side had barely even woken up for their very long day at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico.
While no one was quite sure why ‘Wazza’ was quite so confident that the ‘Seleção’ were going to go through, especially since Norway had shown just as much star power in spells in the opening four rounds, he still decided to throw down the gauntlet on himself.
As you can see in the clip above, he says he’s a “man of [his] word” and looks to have even roped in the likes of fellow former pros turned punditry colleagues on the night, Micah Richards and Joe Hart.
That being said, he did make the caveat that perhaps it would be better if the BBC could somehow sort them to sail down the Hudson River in New York instead, simply for the sake of ‘time’.
We’re not sure exactly how easy it is for the British broadcasters to simply secure permission to take a rowboat down one of the busiest and most famous waterways in the world, but you never know.
Here’s hoping they at least try to make something happen, anyway.
There’s been plenty of curious and comedic moments already this tournament, but for anyone who hasn’t yet watched Harry Kane’s post-match following the tense 3-2 thriller against Mexico, you really need to.
He was given the chance to chat to the media once again after his voice recovered, but let’s just say the memes that have already come from THAT interview are almost as memorable as the match itself.
A Harry Styles-themed running event is coming to Manchester
Lydia Mastrolonardo
A Harry Styles-themed running event, ‘Styles-Athon,’ is coming to Manchester later this year.
Styles-Athon is set to be an action packed event, centring around all things Harry Styles – there’ll even be a live tribute performance and DJs blasting some of our favourite songs.
This event is brought to us by Run Fanatics, a group that focuses on creating memorable, themed running events, maintaining that ‘it’s not about how far or fast you run, it’s about how much fun you have.’
Styles-Athon is open to all abilities, with Run Fanatics priding themselves on inclusivity and their welcoming sense of community, offering both 5k and 10k routes to either walk, dance or run around. No matter what the running ability, this is a great day out for all Harry lovers.
Having successfully hosted other music-led events such as a Swift-Athon and an ABBA themed run in Manchester, we’re excited to have them back and keep the energy in Heaton Park ‘Watermelon Sugar’ high.
Why not try something new and contribute to a good cause while you’re at it – runners are welcome to run in support of a charity of their choosing.
Finally, some real motivation – run like you’re chasing Harry Styles.
What you can expect from Styles-Athon:
Live Harry Styles tribute performance and warm-up
DJ and professional sound team
Music guides running the course to keep the energy high
Exclusively Harry Styles music throughout the event
5K and 10K routes
Free professional event photos
Chip-timed race with official results
Exclusive Harry Styles finisher’s medal
Timings:
9am – 10am – Harry Styles tribute performance in the event village as runners arrive
10am – 10.10am – Harry Styles tribute to lead the warm-up hosted at the start area
10.15am – 10.25am – Getting race ready and walk to the start line
10.30am – 12pm – Race begins, with most runners finished by midday
Styles-Athon will be set up for around 1,000 attendees and is taking place in Heaton Park, on Saturday 19 September 2026.
Sign up HERE for either 5k and 10k options, tickets available from £29.99.
Danny Jones -
14th January 2026 
