DISTANCE
50 MILES
ELEVATION
123M
LOCATION
MANCHESTER
PLACES
750
CUT-OFF TIME
14 HOURS
ENTRY FEE
£119 (unaffiliated) £117 (affiliated)
MANCHESTER TO LIVERPOOL ULTRA 50
Good Friday 3rd April 2026
Join the 10th anniversary Manchester to Liverpool Ultra in 2026.
The M2L Ultra is a unique 50 mile heavily supported event following the Trans-Pennine Trail, the Manchester Ship Canal and the River Mersey from Manchester to Liverpool.
With Live Online GPS Tracking from GB Race Tracker allowing family & friends to track your progress throughout the day. Runners start the race at the Imperial War Musem (IWM North) located on the Manchester Ship Canal waterfront, at the heart of Manchester.
The course is a well-marked, fast 50 mile race with a 14 hour cut-off, and is ideal for both the seasoned ultra-runner looking for a personal best on the distance and also a great introduction into ultra-running for beginners. Magnificent support from the GB Ultras team at 6 checkpoints.
The event also attains ITRA points & UTMB mountain performance index points (allocation tbc).
The event is iicensed by the TRA (Trail Running Association) and held under UK Athletics Rules.
Ready for the challenge?
M2L Ultra 50 gets sold out pretty quickly, secure your place now to avoid massive FOMO.
You can also choose to spread the cost by instalments via Paypal, ClearPay and Payl8r (subject to status).
Please ensure you have read all of the race information below in full and that you meet the qualifying criteria for the event before entering the race.
The 2026 event is now sold out. We do not operate a waitlist for the event but places can be transferred up to 13/03/2026. For more details on transfers of places, please scroll down to the ‘Withdrawal / Transfer of Place / Deferrals / Refunds’ section below
Follow the M2L Ultra 50 page & Join the GB Ultras Community Group.
Course Records
Mens PB – Kallum Pritchard (GBR) 5 Hours 39 Minutes (2024)
Ladies PB – Fiona Cook (GBR) 6 Hours 38 Minutes 18 Seconds (2025)
Are You Ready To
Be Challenged? Make Friends? Laugh? Cry?
Gold, Silver or Bronze?
Top 200 finishers earn a Gold ‘M2LUltra’ Medal, 201-400 finishers earn a Silver ‘M2LUltra’ Medal and 401+ finishers earn the Bronze ‘M2LUltra’ Medal. There are additional prizes for the Top 3 Male & Top 3 Female finishers. The Manchester to Liverpool Ultra 50 Mile is part of the GB Ultras 50 Mile SLAM and GB Ultras 50 Mile GRAND SLAM!
Click Below For The Live Results Feed.
Please note the tracking system is separate to our race timing system and has no bearing on the race results.
All The M2L Ultra 50 Information
We want you to have the most amazing time at the M2L Ultra 50!
All the information you need to participate in this event is in the table below.
The event is licensed by the Trail Running Association (https://tra-uk.org/) and held under UK Athletics Rules.
Entrants must be at least 20 years old at the time of the race (Rule T3 (141) S5 UKA Trail Running).
Entrants must be in good health at the time of the race.
Entrants must have successfully completed an event of at least a marathon distance prior to race day. This must be an organised event under race conditions and can be for an event not yet taken place but that will be successfully completed prior to race day. Solo runs / training runs etc are not acceptable.
UKA Affiliated Club members and Trail Running Associalion members obtain a £2 discount off race entries. Please enter the name of your affiliated UKA Club during registration or confirm that you are a Trail Running Association member and the entry fee will be reduced upon checkout.
Full details and terms & conditions for the event can be found in the Rules & Regulations section below.
Please ensure you read all the details on this page and that you meet the entry criteria before entering.
Start Venue
The Manchester to Liverpool Ultra starts at the Imperial War Musuem (IWM) North, Trafford Wharf Rd, Trafford Park, Stretford, Manchester M17 1TZ
Event Schedule
Thursday 2nd April 2026
5.30pm – 9.00pm – Race Registration: Bib Number Collection Only
Good Friday 3rd April 2026
4:15am – 5:30am – Race Registration – Bib Number Collection & GB Race Tracker Collection, dropbag drop-off
6.00am Race Start – Mass Start
Finish Venue
Railway Club, North End Sports and Social Club, Melling Road, Liverpool, L9 0LQ.
Each checkpoint will provide refreshments including cola, tailwind, water and juice as well as a variety of sandwiches, salted potatoes, fruit, snacks, crisps and biscuits.
We’ll also have a Medic, First Responder or a 1st aider available.
Cut-Off times per Checkpoint – These conditions include the length of time taken to complete sections of the course and they are implemented by the Event Organisers, GB Ultras, to ensure safe and proper running of the event. Checkpoint cut-off times will be strictly enforced.
CHECKPOINT 1 – 6 Miles.
Checkpoint Chorlton Water Park, Maitland Avenue, M21 7WH.
Cut Off 07:40 Good Friday
Cut Off 10:12 Good Friday.
SUPPORT CREWS NOT PERMITTED
CHECKPOINT 3 – 22 Miles.
Latchford Locks. Checkpoint Nr to 20 Bradshaws Lane, Warrington, WA4 2NJ.
Cut Off 12:09 Good Friday.
CHECKPOINT 4 – 32 Miles.
Spike Island, Widnes. Spike Island Checkpoint, WA8 0DG.
Cut Off 14:57 Good Friday
CHECKPOINT 5 – 37 Miles
Checkpoint TPT Verge beside Alderfield Drive, Liverpool, L24 7SE & Hale Road.
Cut Off 16:21 Good Friday.
CHECKPOINT 6 – 44 Miles.
Section total : 6 miles. Finish is at North End Sports & Social Club, British Railway Club, Melling Rd, L9 0LQ.
There is a 14 hour cut off time for the event.
Please note that dogs are not permitted on the field at the finish venue as this is a football pitch.
NO SUPPORT CREW ACCESS
Due to parking limitations, Support Crews are NOT permitted as stated above at Checkpoint 2. This location is strictly event team only.
Please ensure your support crews are made aware of this restriction to avoid your disqualification from the event.
GB Ultras Merchandise
We’ll have a range of our GB Ultras branded merchandise available at both race registration and at the finish.
- Drybags
- Enamel cups
- Hoodies
- Running vests
- Soft cups
- Technical t-shirts
- Visors
Optional Finisher T-shirt
If you’ve pre-ordered your optional finisher t-shirt, you’ll be able to collect this during race registration on either day, or after you finish the race. To make sure yours is waiting for you to collect, you can order it here if didn’t order one when you entered the race.
Availability is limited and finisher t-shirts won’t be available on the day to purchase!
- Mandatory kit MUST be carried during the race.
Failure to carry mandatory kit will result in a participant being disqualified.
Random kit checks at race registration, during the race and at the finish line will take place.
Mandatory Kit
- Waterproof coat with sealed seams, i.e. Goretex – Min 10,000mm
- Long Sleeved Base layer (separate from start kit in a dry bag in case of emergency)
- Water bottle or bladder -min 1 litre capacity
- Fully charged mobile phone (with Race HQ numbers) in waterproof covering/bag
- Foil blanket
- Headtorch (Minimum 75 Lumens)
- Secondary Headtorch (not mobile phone)
- Whistle
- GPS Tracker (property of GB Race Tracker, returned after the race)
Recommended Kit
- Emergency Rations
- Electrolytes – S-Caps
- Hat and Gloves
- Waterproof trousers
- Sun Protection
- First Aid Kit
Please watch the Mandatory Kit video above
Please be aware GB Ultras Races Cupless! You can buy a GB Ultras reusable cup CLICK HERE to visit the shop.
An optional Dropbag can be handed to GB Ultras staff at Race Registration prior to the event (on race morning) once you have collected your bib number and Race Tracker.
Any Dropbag should be clearly labelled with the participant’s Race number at Registration. Labels are provided during Race Registration on race morning.
Dropbags should be of a small/medium backpack/drybag type similar in size to a cabin case, approx. capacity 37 litres (dimensions 55cm x 39cm x 20cm) and must be no more than 50 litre capacity. Large bags and suitcases will be refused to be transported.
Dropbags will be transported to the finish venue in Liverpool to meet runners there.
It is the responsibility of the runner to pick up any dropbags. In the event that a participant withdraws from the race, they must collect their dropbag from the finish venue – these will not be transported to locations along the race route. Dropbags not collected from the finish line will be disposed of.
Optional post-race coach transport is available at 16:00 and 20:15 from the finish venue. This will take participants back to the start venue at IWM North in Manchester. You will be able to book your place on the transport and choose your departure time during registration or via the link here.
Post-race coach transport must be booked ahead of the race and is subject to availability. No places on the coach will be available to purchase on the day.
No Pacers or Support Runners are permitted. Participants found to be running with another person who is not entered in the race will be disqualified.
The start location also enables you to take advantage of the 24 hour parking at Quayside MediaCity (formerly the Lowry Outlet Mall) which also has a range of restaurants to enjoy. Address for one of the car parks is: The Garage, Blue, Salford M50 2TG.
If you’re staying overnight ahead of the race, in addition to the hotels near to the original start line, there are also additional accommodation options within the vicinity from Premier Inn and Holiday Inn.
There is ample parking for participants at the Finish Venue.
We would strongly advise participants to make transport and accommodation arrangements well in advance of the event, including checking train times if applicable.
The results for the event will be available real-time during the event via the link just above the route map section of this page.
As each runner crosses the finish line, their race chip records their individual finishing position and finishing time.
Your position and time shown in the results link is your official result. Please note that the tracking system is different to the timing system and has no bearing on your chip time or result.
We’ll be posting the links to the official media team photographs here after the race has finished. Please keep checking back to find yours.
Processing and editing the photographs does take some time so please allow 48-72 after conclusion of the race for the links to be added.
We’ll also be adding photographs taken by the event team on our Ultra Scotland Facebook page and in the GB Ultras Community Facebook Group as well!
2025 Event Photographs
Andrew Paylor Photography: On the course
Dan Bentley Photography: Finisher Portraits
David Murch @ Mick Hall Photos: Start line & out on the course
GB Ultras Event Team: Processing
Nathan Pura Photography: On the course and finish line
Neil Shearer Photography: Start Line | Trafford Marina | Checkpoint 2 | Checkpoint 4 – Spike Island | Finish Line
Ridgeline Media: Event set-up through to finish
Tosh Simpkin Photography: On the course
Although largely a trail event, due to the nature of the event, there are inevitably some road crossings where it will be necessary to slow and possibly stop. No roads are closed en route. Particular attention should be given at these points.
As always, if you see a runner experiencing difficulties please inform Checkpoint Marshals. Each runner should have the Race Organiser’s mobile number saved in their contacts for the duration of the event. Our team will always endeavour to reach any participant in difficulty but due to inaccessibility of the Trail this can take time.
The trail runs close by to Water Courses like the Bridgewater Canal and St Helens Canal – care should be taken at these areas, particularly given the time of the year of the event.
Conditions might well be muddy and icy, be careful and mindful, of uneven and slippery terrain, falling branches, some overgrowth, stiles to negotiate and close to the stiles, barbed wire. Watch your footing. Also be mindful and respectful of other users of the trail, giving priority to others.
**DUE TO LIMITED PARKING AT CHECKPOINT LOCATIONS AND THE FINISH VENUE, A SINGLE VEHICLE PER RUNNER IS PERMITTED. SUPPORT TEAMS MUST NOT ARRIVE AT CHECKPOINTS ANY EARLIER THAN 30 MINUTES BEFORE THE EXPECTED TIME OF THEIR RUNNER**
Please note, due to parking limitations, Supporters (including Crews / Friends & Family) are not permitted to travel to the following locations:
Checkpoint 2 (Dunham Massey)
Supporters risk disqualification of their runner if they are present at any of the above locations where we have stated they are not permitted to travel to. Your race instructions will include a specific section on Supporters and will provide further details.
At other checkpoint locations, no more than two Supporters per participant are permitted at a checkpoint at any one time. These must not impede the Event team nor other runners.
Supporters must not take the food nor drink from the checkpoint except for their runner unless given permission to do so.
Supporters must take their rubbish with them – they are not permitted to leave rubbish at checkpoints.
Supporters must respect instructions given by Event Staff. Failure to do so will result in them being asked to leave the checkpoint and possible time implications or disqualification of the runner.
Dogs (except service dogs) are not permitted at any of the checkpoints or at the start/finish venue.v
Please note additional ‘Supporter Access Points’ to help crews support runners during the event.
12.5 Miles – Banky Lane, M33 5SL. Runners approach Carrington Spur traffic lights.
15 Miles – Hanover Road, Altrincham, WA14 5RZ. Runners head down Diaryhouse Lane. Supporting runners here avoids parking issues at Checkpoint 2.
25 Miles – Parking at Morrisons, Greenalls Avenue, Warrington, WA4 6RN. Runners cross Wilderspool Causeway beside the Manchester Ship Canal.
29 Miles – Ferry Tavern, Station Road, Warrington, WA5 2UJ.
35 Miles – Pickering Pasture, Mersey View Road, Widnes, WA8 8LP.
37 Miles – Hale Village shops, Ivy Farm Court, Hale, L24 4AG.
40.5 Miles. Halewood Doorstep Green, Parking at Blackburne Drive, off Higher Road, L25 0QH. Runners pass through the Green, along Blackburne Road and cross Higher Road.
44 Miles – Parking close to Thomas Lane L14 5NU which gives access to the Trans Pennine Trail close to Checkpoint 6
In the lead up to the Race, GB Ultras Running Club organise training runs covering the entire route section by section to help build confidence and prepare runners for the upcoming 50 Mile Race.
Full details of the training runs for this event can be found here.
Full details of the terms and conditions of entry can be found here. A summary of the withdrawal and refund policy is provided below.
Withdrawal prior to the race
Due to the nature of the event, costs are incurred as soon as a participant signs up, no refunds are possible in this event.
However, GB Ultras understand injuries do occur so would URGE ALL RUNNERS to take out DOGTAG PERSONAL MEDICAL COVER or BMC Personal Cover to help claim back the entry fee (due to injury) and thus following the insurance companies process. Please be aware that the Insurance Company determines whether the nature of your injury will necessitate a refund.
Deferrals
Deferrals or changes to another event must be requested 8 weeks prior to race date. Any deferral requests made after this cannot be actioned due to event costs incurred. There is an admin fee payable for transfer of the race place which can be paid here. Once received, we will action your request and send confirmation of your place in your new event. If this doesn’t land in your inbox, please check your junk/spam folder.
Please note that a place can only be deferred a single time. Once a place has been deferred, it cannot be deferred again. (unless due to pregnancy – please see GB Ultras Pregnancy Deferral Policy below).
Pregnancy Deferral
- Women who have entered a GB Ultras event and are, or become, pregnant prior to race day can defer entry for up to two years.
- Women who fall pregnant again during the deferral period may request another deferral for up to an additional two years.
- Partners are also able to defer for one year if the birth is imminent.
- To defer please email events@gbultras.com with the medical certificate/medical confirmation of the pregnancy/birth.
- All other rules and requirements for race entry will apply.
Transfers to another runner
Can I transfer my place to someone else?
If you wish to transfer your entry to another person, please ensure that the person you are transferring to fulfils the entry criteria for the event. Replacement runners who do not meet the qualification criteria detailed above will not be permitted to take your place.
You may post in the GB Ultras Community that you are no longer able to take part in the race and that your place is available for transfer.
Transfers to another person must be requested 3 weeks prior to race date. Any transfer requests made after this cannot be actioned. There is an admin fee payable prior to transferring your place which can be paid here.
When making the admin fee payment, please ensure you enter the full name and email address of the replacement participant in the ‘Order Notes’ field.
I’m not entered into the race – where can I find places that are available for transfer?
If you meet the qualification criteria for the event (see above) and want to take up a place from an existing runner, please head over to the GB Ultras Community Group on Facebook where you will be able to search for any places that become available prior to the deadline.
During the race
Please inform a GB Ultras Race Marshal at one of the Checkpoint’s or Race HQ. This will ensure all participants who are registered and pull out of the race are accounted for, allowing for the accurate and safe running of the event. If a participant withdraws at a Checkpoint they must hand over their Race Number & GPS Tracker to the Event team to signal their retirement. Marshals will inform the race organiser and each of the remaining Checkpoints can update their event documentation.
Upon withdrawal from the race, it is the responsibility of the individual to get themselves home (or to the finish if required to collect their dropbag). We would recommend having your own Support Crew or someone on standby to collect you in case of unexpected withdrawal during the event.
Where possible, runners withdrawing from the race may be able to be transported by GB Ultras event support from a checkpoint back to Race HQ however this cannot be guaranteed. Priority will be given to runners still participating in the race.
Where it is possible to transport a runner to the finish, this will only be available after a checkpoint closes and therefore may involve a significant wait. In addition, as event teams are deployed to multiple checkpoint locations, transport to Race HQ may involve intermediate stops on route for further (potentially lengthy) periods of time before heading to Race HQ.
GB Ultras also reserve the right to pull any participant out of the race on health grounds.
M2L Ultra 50 Race Briefing
M2L Ultra 50 Mandatory Kit
The Route
The course is a well-marked, fast 50 mile race with a 14 hour cut-off, and is ideal for both the seasoned ultra-runner looking for a personal best on the distance and also a great introduction into ultra-running for beginners.
Part Of The 50 Mile Grand Slam
Take on 5 of our 50 Mile Ultra Marathons for the Slam Medal or take on all 8 50 Mile Ultra Marathons for the Grand Slam & get in to the Hall of Fame.
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