Fast trackers: the best Manchester running clubs

Ancoats Run Club began life in the midst of the pandemic lockdowns when a group of Royal Mills residents began meeting for socially-distanced runs around the city.

The distinctive black and white vests of the Belle Vue Racers are a familiar sight at road and cross-country races in and around Manchester.

Looking like a swarm of bees in their black and gold running vests, the Chorlton Runners are always well-represented in the big Manchester races (and, in smaller numbers, at many races further afield too.)

While much of Greater Manchester makes for flat, fast running, head towards the outer edges and the terrain gets a little more varied.

Hyde Running Community makes the most of its base at the foot of Werneth Low to build your stamina with hill reps and trail runs built into their training schedule when daylight allows it.

Manchester Harriers and Athletics Club was established way back in 1886 and has some pretty impressive alumnae to its name. Club member Emily Voight won a gold medal in the London Olympics of 1908, and Ricky Wilde won gold for the 3000m at the 1970 European Athletics Indoor Championships.

Part running club, part social club, The Manchester Road Runners turns ten-years-old in 2023. 

Channelling Beyoncé with its name and empowering ethos, Run the World MCR is an inclusive, women-only running club based in Monton, Salford.

Sale Harriers is one of Greater Manchester’s biggest and oldest athletics clubs. It has been running, quite literally, for over a hundred years and although it is nominally based in Sale at Crossford Bridge, training sessions also take place in Wythenshawe Park and Sportcity.