Celebrate the festive spirit with a unique running experience along the picturesque River Mersey in Chorlton Water Park. This post-Christmas bank holiday race offers runners of all abilities an opportunity to enjoy a scenic course while raising funds for Destitute Animals Shelter, Bolton. Choose your distance from 5km up to an ultra challenge and complete as many laps as you feel comfortable with on the flat and fast 3.28-mile out-and-back trail along the riverbank. Participants can opt for timed events ranging from a single lap to multiple loops within a generous seven-hour time frame, ensuring that everyone has ample opportunity to enjoy the course at their own pace. The race brief will be sent one week before the event and is mandatory reading for all participants. Registration opens at 7:30 am on the day of the run with an earliest start time of 8 am if everything is ready; runners can also begin as late as 8:30 am to fit their schedules. Hardy Farm, located in M21 8FE, serves as Race HQ where toilets and changing rooms are available. Parking is provided on a first-come, first-served basis for up to 75 cars at Hardy Farm; additional parking can be found across the river at Sale Water Park (a short 15-minute walk from the start). Public and paid parking options also abound around Chorlton Water Park. The aid station is well-stocked with a variety of vegetarian, vegan-friendly, and gluten-free snacks such as bananas, dates, jelly sweets, crisps, cake, squash, and full-sugar cola. Runners with severe allergies should bring their own food to ensure safety from cross-contamination. No matter your pace or distance preference, this event promises an enjoyable atmosphere filled with scenic views of the River Mersey and a festive finisher's medal that complements the holiday spirit.
Races Offered
Affiliated
Dec 28, 2026
straighten
Distance —
Affiliated
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
08:30
sell
£38.00
No medal Affiliated
Dec 28, 2026
straighten
Distance —
No medal Affiliated
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
08:30
sell
£23.00
No medal Unattached
Dec 28, 2026
straighten
Distance —
No medal Unattached
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
08:30
sell
£25.00
Unattached
Dec 28, 2026
straighten
Distance —
Unattached
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
08:30
sell
£40.00
Weather History
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for December in Manchester.
thermostatTemperature
4.9° / 9.1°
wb_sunnyFeels like
1.0° / 5.5°
light_mode
Avg sunshine hours
2h 30m
water_drop
Avg rainfall
4.8 mm
ac_unit
Avg snowfall
0.1 cm
air
Avg wind speed
14.5 km/h (Gentle breeze)
opacity
Sweat loss rate
Low
terrain
Course conditions
Firm and slightly soft
sunny
Max UV Index
Low (1.4)
humidity_mid
Humidity
86.5%
wb_twilight
Sunrise
09:16
nightlight
Sunset
16:51
About Manchester
Learn more about the host city, Manchester.
Manchester is a vibrant, post-industrial gem at the heart of North West England. The city that used to be nicknamed 'Cottonopolis' has hung up its clogs and, thanks to successive regeneration projects, is now a major centre for culture and commerce; seen by many as the capital of the north of England, and sometimes regarded as England's second city.
