Grab your Salomons. Connect your Airpods. Running season is hot on the heels of Manchester city centre, and we’re here for it.
Living at Union means you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to running routes in Manchester city centre. Cross the bridge, and you have all of Salford to explore. Head north, and there’s another side of town you may not even know exists.
So, whether you’re a Strava regular or tying your laces for the first time, here are the best running routes in Manchester city centre.
Tried, tested and trodden by Union, of course.
Castlefield Canal to Trafford Park or Media City
Let’s kick things off with a classic.
The Castlefield Canal stretch is a great option for every running ability. Probably the most scenic route in town, the canal offers an escape from the manicness of Manchester city centre. Get your favourite running playlist pumping, and chase those cobbles until you’re cardio’d out.
From Union, run along Water Streets towards The Wharf in Castlefield. Cross the white bridge to join Bridgewater Canal Tow Path, stick to the left hand side of the pavement, and keep chasing its tail towards Trafford.
Keep an eye out for Throttles Nest Footbridge. This charming little bridge is a perfect end-stop or midpoint (depending on how far you’re looking to run), and the ideal place for a quick Strava picture.
Want to take things to Media City? Cross Throttles Nest Footbridge and continue upwards towards the traffic lights near the Trafford Road Swing Bridge. Stick to the left pavement as you approach the big signs and bright lights of the TV studios. See how far your legs will take you before U-turning and retracing your footsteps back to Union.
A word of warning, though. The canal path gets very slippy during the cold months, so be careful. It’s also not very well lit, so definitely one to avoid at night.
Peel Park
Yet to see the streets of Salford? A run is the perfect reason to explore somewhere new.
The Peel Park sprint is a real Runna staple. It averages around 6km door-to-door, depending on how far you take it.
A small yet charming park near the University of Salford, Peel Park offers flat terrain, green views and a smaller crowd. It’s the perfect loop for short easy runs or more intense splits, perfect for marathon training.
From Union, run across Irwell Street bridge towards Salford. Chuck a sharp left at Chapel Street, and keep going until you reach the University of Salford campus. From there, you can loop into Peel Park.
If you’re really feeling the runner’s high, you can follow the River Irwell and continue north into deeper Salford.
Clayton Vale
Fueled up for a longer run? The Clayton Vale stretch definitely requires more energy but it’s totally worth it. A little off the beaten track, a run around Clayton Vale is the perfect way to blow the cobwebs away.
This open green space is a far cry from the concrete jungle of Manchester city centre. Enjoy serene views of woodland and the River Medlock, soundtracked by the calming sounds of birds.
From Union, make your way to the Etihad Stadium. Go along the canal for a more tranquil session or brave the city centre for some people watching.
Once you reach the Etihad, zoom over to Phillips Park, cross the River Medlock into the cemetery, and go right. Keep going until you reach the entrance of Clayton Vale, and find yourself suddenly surrounded by trees and nature.
The total running distance can be anywhere from 10km to 15km, depending on where you call it a day.
New Islington Marina
We’re not offering anything new with this one. The New Islington Marina run is probably the most popular running route in Manchester city centre. It’s not too far from Union (around 3.5/4km), making it the ideal lunchtime jolly or post-work heart pump.
This crowded yet calming route takes you through the stylish streets of Ancoats, looping around New Islington marina for your daily dose of geese activity.
From Union, head for St Peter’s Square and continue along to China Town or Canal Street. We recommend running towards Piccadilly, joining the picturesque Back Piccadilly path, and reaching New Islington Marina that way.
Want to reward your hard work with a post-run pastry? There’s no better place for it. Refuel with a delicious delicacy from one of the many bakeries in Ancoats including Pollen, Companio, Ancoats Deli, and more.
Manchester Run Club
New to the city and looking for an opportunity to make new friends? Or maybe you want to give a new hobby a go, or make your weekly runs more of a social thing? Joining a running club allows you to find new routes, meet like-minded runners, and enjoy the sport in every season and at any hour of the day.
Here at Union, we teamed up with Manchester Run Club to host events for our own in-building running community, like our Spring Series collab.
Interested in joining Manchester Run Club? Head over to their Instagram to discover their next event.
Happy running!