The popular Trafford 10K, originally scheduled for 17 August, has been postponed to 1 March 2026 due to an unexpected sinkhole on the course. Organisers Run North West said the decision was unavoidable as the damaged road lies within the first kilometre of the race, in one of the narrowest sections. Safety concerns meant that hosting the event on the original date was not feasible.

In a statement, organisers said: “We are sorry to have to announce that we are going to have to move the date of Trafford 10K from Sunday 17 August 2025 to Sunday 1 March 2026. We had remained hopeful that the road would be repaired in time, sadly this is unlikely to happen.”

The Trafford 10K is one of the UK’s fastest and most popular 10K races, drawing elite runners from across Europe. Known for its flat, fast one-lap course starting and finishing in Partington, just outside Manchester, it passes through the scenic countryside of Dunham Massey before heading back. The postponement will come as a disappointment to those who secured places in the sold-out race, but the rescheduled date offers an ideal opportunity for a spring personal best.

For runners still keen to race on 17 August, organisers of the Birchwood 10K in Warrington suggest Trafford 10K entrants enter their event instead. Hosted by Spectrum Striders Running Club, the Birchwood 10K is celebrating its 40th edition this summer.

The race starts Birchwood Shopping Centre and takes in a mix of local roads and paths, winding towards the village of Croft before returning over a series of motorway bridges to a fast and enthusiastic finish. A particular highlight is the return of the now-iconic finisher’s towel, embroidered with the Spectrum logo, which has become a much-loved souvenir of the race.

If you'd like to know more, visit the Spectrum Striders website.