Some of the different running routes around Manchester

Of all Britain's cities, Manchester has one of the best sporting reputations. Home to the world famous football clubs Manchester United and Manchester City, the city also boasts the Old Trafford cricket ground, the celebrated National Cycling Centre and hosted the Commonwealth Games in 2002. However, it's a fantastic city in which to go running as well, as there are several running routes through the city centre and its outskirts. If you're planning to start running in Manchester, or you've just started and want to know more, here's a quick guide to finding the best running routes.



Start with a quick internet search to see the kinds of routes that other local runners have recommended. Online run mapping services may be particularly useful as they showcase a large variety of runs to suit a range of experience levels. You're also likely to find runs through Manchester city centre and others that take you outside the city. One popular run, for instance, is a loop around the centre of the city, with Deansgate - Manchester's main shopping artery - acting as the diameter of the running circle when viewed on a map. This run will take you past many of Manchester's top sights, including Piccadilly Gardens, the beautiful Central Library building and the picturesque Manchester Cathedral. So if you've just moved to Manchester, running this route may be the ideal introduction to the city.

Another popular running location is Heaton Park, located five miles to the north of Deansgate. Even though it's not far from the city centre, Heaton Park provides a peaceful environment in which runners can take in Manchester's green space, away from its traffic filled streets. Routes here are largely flat and on marked paths, so the area is still suitable for running even when it's raining. Its relatively tranquil atmosphere also means that it's a good place for new runners to begin their regime, before they are experienced enough to try a more adventurous route.



Manchester's many canals and waterways also make for intriguing running routes in and around the city. Salford Quays, for example, has seen tremendous development in recent years from traditional docks to a sought-after commercial and residential area. It's a part of Manchester that's overflowing with history and a great place for runners to exercise and explore. The Castlefield Canal Basin, also an area that has seen vast regeneration, is another scenic running route, as are the Rochdale 'Nine Locks', which run alongside lively Canal Street.



Once you've become an experienced runner in Manchester, why not consider taking part in one of the many runs that the city hosts? For example, the Great Manchester Run - held annually in May - is a world famous 10K event that attracts professional runners from across the world as well as enthusiastic locals that raise money for charity as they run.