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Snappy Runners
AJ Handley-Rowe -
16th June 2022
AJ Handley-Rowe -
16th June 2022 City Centre
Manchester’s cross club running social returns for 2026 and biggest summer party yet
Danny Jones
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 (CCS) 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.
Set up by local runners and DJs turned summer social specialists, Dave ‘Macca’ McLaughlin and Sophie ‘DG’ de Greenlaw, the upcoming Cross Club Social is the fourth edition of what has now become the go-to post-race season party.
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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, the programming and full schedule looks more jam-packed than ever, with live sets from both Macca and DG, karaoke, a big pub quiz, giveaways and more.
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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 over in the Green Quarter, there’s room for all kinds of fun to be had.
Here’s a look at how it’s gone down previously:
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, Run MCR, Ancoats Run Club, Levy Runners, 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.
Read more:
- Stockport County CEO Simon Wilson to step down at the end of the season
- A League Of Their Own LIVE is coming to Manchester
- Kobbie Mainoo signs new contract with Man United
For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.
Featured Images — Cross Club Social MCR (supplied)
City Centre
Police appeal for witnesses following rape of teenage boy in Manchester’s Printworks
Emily Sergeant
An urgent appeal for information and witnesses has been made following the rape of a teenage boy in Manchester city centre last week.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) is currently investigating the rape and serious assault of a teenager.
The male victim – who is aged under 18, and has therefore not been publicly named – arranged to meet a man via social media, and was attacked in the toilets of a venue on Dantzic Street inside Printworks at around 5pm last Friday (24 April 2026).
The victim has described the suspect as an Asian male aged between 18 and 20, of slim build, with a goatee beard, black hair parted in the centre and covering his forehead, and at the time of the incident, he was said to be wearing a black puffy coat, dark jeans, white-and-black trainers, and glasses.
Police arrested a 19-year-old man on suspicion of rape over the weekend, but he has since been bailed pending further enquiries.
With the investigation proceeding at pace, police are now asking for the public for their help and, in particular, appealing for potential witnesses who was in the area at the time.
“We have committed a large number of officers from across the force to the investigation and are carrying out extensive forensic and CCTV enquiries,” explained Detective Chief Inspector Chris Woodburn, from GMP’s City of Manchester CID.
“We are appealing for anyone who was in the Printworks area at the time of the incident to come forward. This would have been a busy time of day when there would have been a lot of people around.
“We also believe there may have been a second man in or around the toilets in a licensed premises off Dantzic Street at the time of the incident, and we want to speak to him as a witness as we believe he may have vital information that could assist with our investigation.”
Read more:
- Two men charged with rape of teenage girl under 16 in Manchester city centre
- Arrest made after woman reportedly raped in tent in Manchester city centre
- Manchester security guard jailed for raping woman who asked him for help
Can you help? Anyone with information or who was in the area at the time is urged to call GMP’s dedicated team on 0161 856 4259, on 101, or via LiveChat online quoting log 2647 of 24/4/26.
You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Featured Image – GMP
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