BigXmas

11k / Half Marathon / Marathon

SUNDAY 13TH DECEMBER 2026

Back for our 5th year, we're returning to gift you 3 trail races, set in the suburbs and greenspace of Greater Manchester! Where rural meets urban, we offer 3 different race distances that have each been designed to challenge you and test your Xmas spirit to the max; 11km, Half Marathon and Marathon.

The trails are fully marked and marshalled, making this the perfect event for either beginners or seasoned runners. Fully stocked aid stations assist you on the Half Marathon and Marathon routes and a bespoke medal awaits finishers of all distances. Event is chip timed and mulled wine and mince pies will warm you up at the end!

DESCRIPTION

Each race starts and finishes at Sale Water Park where we lead you out on trails taking in Chorlton Water Park and the River Mersey, with the longer Marathon distance following the Trans Pennine Trail all the way to Little Bollington and returning on the Bridgewater Canal. So don’t put your feet up just yet, after BigXmas, you’ll have the perfect excuse to unwind, indulge and enjoy the rest of the festive season!

START/FINISH LOCATION

Sale Water Park, Rifle Rd, Sale, M33 2LX

CAR PARKING

Is available free at Sale Water Park with nearby overflow options.

DISTANCES & PRICES

11km - £30

Half Marathon - £40

Marathon - £50

WE ARE UNABLE TO ACCEPT CANICROSS ENTRIES AT THIS EVENT

REGISTRATION

All runners will collect your race bibs from the registration tent at start location.

11km - Registration open 9am to 9.30am

Half Marathon - Registration open 8.30am to 9.00am

Marathon - Registration open 8.00am to 8.30am

START TIMES

11km - 9.45am

Half Marathon - 9.15am

Marathon - 8.45am

MANDATORY KIT

* Marathon runners will be required to have the ability to carry at 500ml of fluid with them. Most will have hydration vests but handheld soft flasks will be permitted.

* Waterproof jacket, Hat, Gloves and Buff

* We also strongly advise runners to download the GPX file of the route onto a wearable watch or mobile device. Although this is a marked course event, arrows can be tampered with, so a good understanding of the route is advisable.

* Mobile phone

BAG DROP

Bag drop tents for each distance will be available on the day, in the start/finish area

CUT OFF TIMES

11km - No Cutoff

Half Marathon - 3.5 hours

Marathon - 7 hours

TREES NOT TEES

We work with the Trees Not Tees organization. Runners can opt to have a tree planted instead of receiving a finishers medal.

CLICK FOR MORE INFO

WHAT YOU GET

* A beautiful trail run

* Incredible views and scenery

* Fully marked course

* Well stocked aid stations

* Bespoke finishers medal

* Finish line mince pies and mulled wine

* Friendly enthusiastic volunteers

* Energetic and fun atmosphere

* On course photographers

* Excellent value for money

* Satisfaction guaranteed

Description supplied by the event organiser.