Based at the Y Club in Castlefield, the Manchester YMCA Harriers are a friendly, social running club in the centre of Manchester. The group meets regularly through the week, with a social group run and separate speedwork sessions, plus parkrun meetups and other events across the city.

A running club like this is a good way to build fitness and confidence with others, whether you are new to running or looking to work on your pace. Sessions are open to non-members too, so it is easy to try things out before committing.

Weekly group runs

Speedwork sessions

Non-members welcome

New runners nights

Parkrun meetups

City centre base

Manchester YMCA Harriers is a friendly running club based in Castlefield, Manchester, with weekly group runs and speedwork.

Manchester YMCA Harriers running club

Based in the Ancoats area of Manchester, this is a casual, social running club open to anyone local who wants to keep fit while meeting like minded people. The focus is on relaxed group runs rather than anything competitive, making it a welcoming option for people living in and around the area.

A social running club like this is a good way to build a regular running habit alongside others, whether you are getting back into fitness or simply prefer the company of a group. Runners of different paces can usually find a comfortable way to take part.

Social and casual

Open to locals

Ancoats based

Ancoats Run Club is a casual, social running club in Ancoats, Manchester, open to anyone local keen to keep fit.

Ancoats Run Club

Located in the centre of Manchester, Up & Running is a running shop stocking footwear, clothing, accessories and electronics for runners of every level. The team offers free gait analysis and a range of shoes to try on, so you can find a pair that suits how you run.

A specialist running shop is a useful first stop whether you are training for an event or just getting started, giving you a chance to test kit in person and get advice before you buy. Up & Running also runs a social run group for those who like to train in company.

Free gait analysis

Shoes to try on

Central Manchester

Social run group

Full running range

Up & Running is a running shop in central Manchester offering free gait analysis, shoes to try on and a social run group.

Up & Running

Based in Manchester, Voodoo Running is a running shop stocking footwear, clothing and accessories for runners. It carries well known brands such as ASICS, adidas, Nike and New Balance, alongside independent labels including SOAR, Satisfy and District Vision.

A running store like this is a useful stop whether you are picking up a new pair of race shoes, kitting out for training or looking for something a little different from the bigger names. There is also a physical store in Manchester as well as online ordering.

Major running brands

Independent labels

Manchester store

Voodoo Running is a Manchester running shop stocking footwear, clothing and accessories from major and independent brands.

Voodoo Running

Sitting on Deansgate in the centre of Manchester, this Ellis Brigham store is a specialist outdoor sports shop stocking gear for camping, trail running, climbing, hiking and skiing. It is described as the largest outdoor specialist in the city centre, and staff are on hand to help you get kitted out for your next trip.

Alongside the shop floor, the store offers free services such as backpack fittings and one-to-one personal shopping, which can be booked in advance. Events are also run from the store from time to time in collaboration with others.

City centre location

Outdoor gear specialist

Expert fittings

Free services

In-store events

Ellis Brigham on Deansgate, Manchester, a specialist outdoor store for camping, climbing, hiking, running and skiing gear.

Ellis Brigham - Manchester

A social running club based in Manchester, Manchester Road Runners welcomes runners of all abilities and is free to join. Sessions cover everything from Couch to 5K up to 10K, with ambassadors on hand to guide newer runners, and there is usually a drink together afterwards.

As well as the midweek social runs, the club offers Sunday long runs for those training towards a half marathon or marathon, plus Tuesday track sessions and a trail division. A running club like this is a friendly way to build fitness, keep motivated and meet other runners locally.

All abilities welcome

Free to join

Guided by ambassadors

Varied sessions

Long run training

Track sessions

Manchester Road Runners is a free social running club in Manchester for all abilities, with weekly group runs, track and long runs.

Manchester Road Runners

Based in Manchester, this running club brings together runners across Greater Manchester for regular group runs. It offers a friendly setting for anyone looking to get out and clock up some miles alongside others.

Running clubs like this are a good way to stay motivated, meet like-minded people and build up your distance and pace over time. Whether you're just starting out or already run regularly, a group setting can help keep training consistent and enjoyable.

A running club in Manchester, Greater Manchester, offering regular group runs for local runners of all levels.

REDACTED Run Club Manchester

A running shop on Deansgate in central Manchester, this branch of Runners Need caters to runners looking for kit, footwear and advice. It sits within easy reach of the city centre, making it a handy stop for anyone building a running habit or preparing for an event.

Specialist running shops like this are a useful first port of call when you're choosing trainers or replacing worn gear. Staff can typically help you find footwear suited to how you run, whether you're just starting out or clocking up regular miles.

Runners Need on Deansgate is a specialist running shop in central Manchester for footwear, kit and advice.

Runners Need Manchester Deansgate

Located within the Arndale Shopping Centre in central Manchester, this Footasylum store is a retail destination for trainers, sportswear and casual footwear. It sits among the many shops in one of the city's busiest indoor centres, making it easy to reach for anyone in the Greater Manchester area.

Stores like this are handy for browsing running shoes and everyday trainers in person, trying different styles for fit, and picking up sports-inspired clothing and accessories to go with them.

Footasylum at the Arndale Shopping Centre in central Manchester, stocking trainers, running shoes and sportswear.

Running clubs in Manchester