Heaton Park is a bit of an icon in Manchester, the home of massive events like Parklife, gigs from Noel Gallagher, Courteeners and New Order, and outdoor events like Lightopia.
But while most of us Mancs will have spent some time here trudging through the mud, you won’t have experienced it like this before.
This October, thousands of mad adrenaline enthusiasts will be leaping, climbing, crawling, swinging and balancing their way around the Tough Mudder course – and readers of The Manc can get 20% off their entry price with discount code TOUGHMANC20.
Rather than donning wellies and dodging puddles, Tough Mudder participants will be deliberately diving face-first into the action. Literally.
Tough Mudder. Credit: Supplied
With obstacles including Everest, Arctic Enema, and Mudderhorn, tackled by up to 10,000 people on every course, it’s an absolute haven for fitness enthusiasts and adrenaline junkies alike.
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The world-famous obstacle course is going to up the ante even further this year, adding in water obstacles for the first time.
Tough Mudder is going to challenge participants to take on races of varying lengths and difficulty – there’s even a mini course geared towards children.
This year’s Manchester Tough Mudder will rock up to Heaton Park on 22 and 23 October and is the last event of the season.
There’ll be two different lengths to try – a 10km, with 20 obstacles; and a one mile, geared towards little runners.
Tough Mudder. Credit: Supplied
Matthew Brooke, managing director of Tough Mudder expressed his excitement: “Tough Mudder Manchester is always great fun – we’re excited to be back!
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“Perfect for newcomers and seasoned pros, this weekend of events is really made for everyone to try, so we welcome all to come down and get involved. We promise you won’t regret it.”
The Manc readers can take part for 20% less than the normal entry price with our exclusive discount code TOUGHMANC20, which is valid on all remaining 2022 Tough Mudder events.
This promotion is valid from September 1st, 2022 until December 31st, 2022 at 11:59PM BST. This offer is valid for all Tough Mudder UK 2022 5K, 10K, 15K, Lidl Mudder and Infinity events. Offer is not valid on any of the following: 2023 events, merchandise, multi-event bundles, race passes, spectators, training products, Toughest Mudder, or World’s Toughest Mudder. In order to receive the appropriate discount, promo code ‘TOUGHMANC20’ must be used at checkout. This promotion cannot be retroactively applied. This promotion cannot be combined with any other offer.
What's On
Be part of the biggest Great Manchester Run ever
Danny Jones
Runners and regular Mancs alike, start lacing up your trainers and sorting safety pins early, because the Great Manchester Run is back for 2026, and you can be part of it.
With sign-ups flying and bibs selling out fast, we really recommend getting a move on and booking your place now to make sure you’re part of what is, without fail, not just one of the most exciting dates on the local sporting calendar, but always a great day for the city in general.
Returning for its 23rd edition and fourth year being backed by principal sponsors, AJ Bell, we can assure it’ll be as well-attended as ever.
In fact, judging by the numbers already and the increasing crowds of spectators every year, this is looking on course to be the biggest Great Manchester Run to date.
The only question is, are you going to help make it the BEST yet by joining the thousands of others already finding the perfect spot to hang their shiny new medal?
Half-marathon, 10k, junior and mini races
As ever, the Great MCR Run isn’t just limited to one event: there are multiple distances, routes and age groups that can race the route in and around the city centre.
Whether you’re a seasoned runner looking to get in a PB, looking to box off your first half, love a 10, or you’re a youngster looking to get in on the action and soak up some of that glory on the day
So, whether you’re a seasoned runner looking to get in a PB, looking to box off your first half, love a 10, or you’re a youngster looking to get in on the action and soak up some of that glory on the day, there really is fun for all ages.
In all seriousness, even watching the massive metropolitan event stood next to the roads with homemade signs promises plenty of atmosphere, but with fancy dress galore, various different activations in the middle of the city, there’s not a chance you’ll get bored.
Even in the years we’ve missed out on running it ourselves (it sold well in advance last year, for instance), the pure buzz we got from joining countless other Mancs cheering from the pavement is enough to keep us coming back time and time again.
All that being said, if you’re looking to sort the perfect Christmas present for a runner, or simply need more reason to give yourself the kick up the backside you’ve been waiting for and just put your name down, this is it.
Besides the full annual marathon in April, running events simply don’t get bigger in this region than this one, so don’t miss out.
Sign up for the 2026 Great Manchester Run right HERE.
Featured Images — Great Run Company/AJ Bell (supplied)
What's On
New Year’s Eve fireworks and special Albert Square party confirmed for Manchester city centre
Danny Jones
Manchester City Council have confirmed that a special firework and lights display will be held right in the centre of town this New Year’s Eve.
Better still, the festivities will be continuing over on Albert Square, as the recently restored ancestral home of the Manchester Christmas Markets will be hosting a celebration of its own.
Yes, for the first time ever, we’re being given the choice of two different NYE events at two of the most stunning central points in the city – the other being the Central Library.
Hosted by former presenter at The Manc, Joe McGrath, as well as DJ Jimmy the Gent, there’ll be tunes and plenty of family-friendly fun from St Peter’s Square right up until the big countdown, when the stunning light display will go off and ring in the New Year.
Credit: Manchester City Council (supplied)
The all-ages, alcohol-free event kicks off at 10pm with entry into the square through security-controlled entry points around the square and bag searches in operation.
Of course, hot drinks and food will be available as the MCR Christmas Markets proper wrap up for 2025, and the fireworks and light displays themselves will be launching right off the top of the library roof.
It’s going to be fantastic.
As for over on the other side of the Town Hall, the Markets will still be in full swing, with bratwurst, beers and cheer aplenty, and so will the truly massive Ferris Wheel – the biggest mobile wheel in the country, in case you hadn’t heard.
That’s right: in case you hadn’t put two and together quite yet, if you’re lucky enough and you don’t mind heights, you might just get to watch the NYE 2025 fireworks going off all over Greater Manchester from the top of the wheel. How magical would that be?
Honestly, it’s been so great seeing Albert Square looking back to its stunning and buzzing best.
Councillor Pat Karney, Christmas and New Year spokesperson for Manchester City Council, said of the plans: “We all know how much Mancunians of all ages love to get together and party, which is why we’re thrilled this year to give them not one but two celebrations to take their pick of this New Year’s Eve.
“Whether you’re a Ferris Wheel fanatic with a head for heights, or a music-loving feet-on-the-ground firework fan, it promises to be a brilliant night out. So get yourselves ready to have some fun and dance the night away – wrap up warm, grab your family and your friends and come down and join us!”
Promising to work closely with local councillors and therefore businesses and residents in turn, they’re promising to keep any inconveniences and nuisances to a minimum; they want everyone to be able to enjoy the night as much as possible.
You can find out more information, including timings, accessibility, road closures and parking suspensions in the full Council statement right HERE.
Daisy Jackson -
7th September 2022 
