Aged 16 and over
£14.99
Children
£10.00
Minimum fundraising target
£50.00
Date
Sunday 05 Jul 2026
Time
11:00
Venue
Heaton Park
Offer ends 19 April 2026. T&Cs apply*
Life is worth Racing for. Enter Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life and raise money for life-saving cancer research.
Race for Life 3k is ideal for families or groups doing their first Race for Life. It's a fun, achievable and an unforgettable day out! Sign up as a group with friends and family, or go solo and join hundreds of people on the day. There's no pressure to finish in a certain time, so walk, jog or run at your own pace and enjoy the atmosphere. However you take part, you're helping to beat cancer.
The start, finish and event site are on grass which is predominantly flat.
The course is a combination of grass, surfaced paths and woodland trails and features various elevations.
Click here to see the Course Map. Please note, this is subject to change.
Once you sign up for your Race for Life event, you'll receive an email with all the need-to-know details to help you feel fully prepared for the day.
The meeting point and start line are in 'The Bowl' area of the park, which is located at the bottom of Heaton Hall, just up from the Boating Lake . The finish line will also be within the similar vicinity.
If using what3words, enter ///salsa.monkey.inch in the free app, to find the exact starting point.
By car:
General Event Parking: Event Parking is available at the Lakeside Car Park on Sheepfoot Lane. Traffic Management will be in place to help direct you. Manchester City Council operate a Pay & Display system please ensure you arrive within plenty of time to purchase a ticket using cash at the machine or via the PayByPhone App. We recommend downloading the app in advance to avoid queuing on the day. Charges are priced at an hourly rate of £3.50 all day. Please adhere to the one way system and 5mph restrictions at all times. From this car park it is approx. a 5-10 min walk to the event site on a surfaced path around the lake so please do allow time for your journey.
Drop Offs: Lakeside Car Park.
Blue Badge Parking: Disabled parking is available at the Lakeside Car Park, and at other car parks within the venue, also pay and display. Please adhere to the one way system and 5mph restrictions at all times.
Volunteer Parking: Volunteer parking is the same as general event parking. Please refer to this section more info.
Electric Charging points: There are none available at this event.
Public transport and pedestrians:
Pedestrians: The closest entrance to the event site for pedestrians is via the Metrolink entrance gate off Bury Old Road. However, the site can also be accessed via Middleton Road, Sheepfoot Lane or St Margaret's Road.
Bus: The nearest bus stop to the event site is Victoria Avenue, from here you can access the venue via the ornamental gates on Middleton Road and follow the path straight ahead past the tramway to the event site.
Train: The nearest train stations are in Manchester City Centre, located 6 miles away. However there is a Metrolink Tram Station just outside Heaton Park as we would actively encourage utilising this service. Trams run regularly from the City Centre and other destinations and the Metrolink stop is the closest entrance to our event site.
Cycling & Bike Racks: Located at the visitor centre within the venue (5 - 10 min walk from the event site)
Refreshments
Toilets
Dogs allowed
Suitable for pushchairs
Wheelchairs accessible
Parking
Bag drop
Showers
Please refer to the meeting point, course information and travel sections where we aim to give you sufficient information on each of these areas.
We have assessed this route and concluded it is wheelchair accessible with assistance, as the park includes a number of inclines and declines.
We aim for maximum accessibility at our events. Our contact centre and on-site team are ready to assist with any needs or questions you may have.
Sunflower wristbands are available at the enquiries marquee, and our Event Managers are trained Dementia Friends.
A QR code and a British Sign Language interpreter will be available on stage for those who use BSL.
A fundraising pack with tips to help you reach your target
A customisable back sign
Training plans and support to help you prepare
Access to our Facebook community to help you get motivated
A Race for Life medal when you cross the finish line!
Get fundraising and training support, tips and resources to help you hit your target and prepare for your event.
Thanks to support from people like you, we've funded pioneering research to prevent, diagnose, and treat cancer. But our work isn't done yet. We want to bring about a world where everybody lives longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer.
The money you raise goes towards our research into more than 200 types of cancer. With you at the start line, just imagine how far we can go.
Your entry fee covers the cost of your event, but your fundraising helps us save and improve lives. Join the celebration, join the family, and join the thousands helping to raise the money we need to power Cancer Research UK’s biggest discoveries.
Get set for your Race for Life event with t-shirts, hats and accessories for everyone.
Join the incredible team of volunteers who make our Race for Life events possible.
Explore our other Race for Life events taking place across the country. Choose from a 3k, 5k, 10k, Pretty Muddy® 5k or Pretty Muddy® Kids.
*Enter the code SPRING26 on the registration page to get 50% off your entry fee. Visit our Sales and Discount page for full terms and conditions that apply.