Buckle up, sweet tooth runners! The Cake Run promises to be an unforgettable experience that blends your love for sweets with a scenic trail along the River Mersey at Chorlton Water Park. This unique race offers something special: not just medals but also a slice of cake or cookie to take home after you cross the finish line. Finch Bakery will grace the event with their delectable treats, setting up shop in their famous cake van for all participants and spectators alike. Whether it's your first time running an off-road trail or you're aiming for multiple laps during this 7-hour extravaganza, there’s a place here for everyone who loves to run. The course winds along the riverside towpath, offering minimal elevation changes that make it ideal for both novices and seasoned runners. You can choose from various distances—5km, 10k, half marathon, full marathon, or even an ultra distance—and complete as many laps as you wish within the event timeframe. Registration opens at Hardy Farm in Chorlton Water Park starting at 7:30am, with a race brief sent out to all participants one week prior. The actual running window is from 8:30 am until 10:30 am for those looking for a shorter session or you can extend your run up till 3:30 pm. The aid station will be well-stocked with vegetarian options, including vegan and gluten-free items to cater to all dietary needs. From bananas and dates to jelly sweets and crisps, there’s plenty of energy-boosting snacks available throughout the day. For those with severe allergies, it's recommended that you bring your own food as cross-contamination cannot be guaranteed. Toilets and changing rooms are conveniently located at Race HQ for easy access during breaks or post-race recovery. Parking is limited to 75 cars on a first-come-first-serve basis at Hardy Farm, with additional parking options available across the river in Sale Water Park (a short walk from the start line) and around Chorlton Water Park. Join us as we celebrate running and indulge in some of Finch Bakery’s finest treats. This event is more than just a race; it's an experience that caters to your taste buds while challenging you on the trails. The Cake Run invites all runners, joggers, walkers, hikers, and Jeffers to come together for a day filled with scenic views along the River Mersey and delicious rewards at every turn. Don't miss out on this sweet opportunity!
Races Offered
Affiliated
Jan 16, 2027
straighten
Distance —
Affiliated
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
08:30
sell
£40.00
Unattached
Jan 16, 2027
straighten
Distance —
Unattached
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
08:30
sell
£42.00
Weather History
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for January in Manchester.
thermostatTemperature
1.4° / 6.9°
wb_sunnyFeels like
-2.8° / 2.9°
light_mode
Avg sunshine hours
3h 27m
water_drop
Avg rainfall
4.1 mm
ac_unit
Avg snowfall
0.3 cm
air
Avg wind speed
13.0 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
86.3%
wb_twilight
Sunrise
09:13
nightlight
Sunset
17:21
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.