ABBATHON 5K, 10K and 1 mile Fun Run

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From Run Fanatics

  • Date Sat 21st February 2026
  • Location Manchester, Lancashire
  • Price £29.99 - £31.99
  • Races 3 races
  • Distances 5km, 10km

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Cartoon figures dressed as ABBA band members stand together under the text "ABBATHON – HERE WE RUN AGAIN." Event date is February 21, 2026, with tickets available at runfanatics.com.

ABBATHON 5K, 10K and 1 mile Fun Run

Sat 21st February 2026

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Event summary

Get ready to put on your dancing shoes and lace up your running sneakers for the ABBATHON 5K, 10K, and 1 Mile Fun Run on Saturday, February 21, 2026, in the vibrant city of Manchester, Lancashire! Organised by Run Fanatics, this unique event invites both seasoned runners and ABBA enthusiasts to celebrate the iconic music of ABBA while enjoying a scenic run through one of the city's most beautiful parks.

Participants can choose between the exhilarating 5K and 10K distances or join the fun with the 1 Mile Fun Run. Expect an electrifying atmosphere with ABBA’s greatest hits setting the mood right from the start line. Dress up in your favorite ABBA-inspired outfit and enjoy a live tribute performance to get you warmed up before the race kicks off! With music guides accompanying you on the route, free professional event photographs, and a special-edition finisher’s medal, the ABBATHON promises to be a memorable day filled with fun, community spirit, and a whole lot of dancing. Don’t miss out on this spectacular celebration of music and fitness!

ABBATHON 5K, 10K and 1 mile Fun Run

Sat 21st February 2026

Cartoon figures dressed as ABBA band members stand together under the text "ABBATHON – HERE WE RUN AGAIN." Event date is February 21, 2026, with tickets available at runfanatics.com. Two women wearing race numbers 331 and 332 stand near a finish line arch labeled "SWIFTATHON." Both appear tired after running. Other people and race signage are visible in the background. A smiling volunteer in a blue vest hands a bright pink race bag to a young participant at a running event, while others clap and help nearby. The atmosphere is cheerful and supportive. Two people wearing blonde wigs and finisher medals smile and pose for a selfie at a running event. One wears a blue shirt and the other a black "DISCO DOLLY" tank top. "Run Fanatics" logo is visible in the corner. Two smiling women pose with medals under a colorful "Swiftathon" arch at a running event. They appear happy and celebratory, wearing athletic gear. "Run Fanatics" logo is visible in the corner.

Organiser's Description

ABBATHON 5K & 10K – ABBA Themed Fun Run

Join us for the ABBATHON 5K & 10K Fun Run – an ABBA-themed fun run like no other!

Whether you're a seasoned runner or just a devoted ABBA fan, this event is for everyone who wants to celebrate the music of ABBA while enjoying a scenic 5K or 10K run (or walk) through one of the city's most iconic parks.

What to Expect:

💃 Dress the part (optional)– Come in your favourite ABBA-inspired outfit or recreate one of their iconic retro looks!

🎵 Music to set the mood – The atmosphere starts strong with ABBA’s biggest hits playing at the start line.

🎤 ABBA Tribute Performance & Warm-Up – Our ABBA tribute act will perform live for at least 45 minutes before the race kicks off – the perfect way to warm up and get into the groove!

🏃 Music Guides – Run alongside our music guides, each carrying a speaker, so you can enjoy music as you run! While we can’t guarantee music coverage for the entire route, our team will be spread out to keep the tunes going.

📸 Free Event Photographs – Professional photographers will capture some of the best running moments. Photos will be available for free on our website within 72 hours after the event to share and treasure.

⏱ Chip-timed race – For those chasing a PB or wanting to track their pace, all runners will be provided with race bibs featuring chip timing. You’ll receive your official time after the run, so you can see how you did – whether you're racing competitively or just curious.

🏅 Special-Edition Finisher’s Medal – A one-of-a-kind medal inspired by iconic ABBA elements. The perfect keepsake to show off your ABBATHON pride!

🍉 Post-Race Refreshments – Refuel with fresh fruit after you cross the finish line.

👕 Limited Edition ABBATHON Finisher’s T-Shirt (£19.99 extra cost)

✨ An inclusive, fun-filled atmosphere – Whether you're running, jogging, or walking, this event is for ABBA fans of all fitness levels.

This isn’t just a race – it’s a celebration of music, community, and fun with fellow fans. Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind experience!

Races

  • ABBATHON 5K Run

    £29.99

    Booking for more than 1?

  • ABBATHON 10K Run

    £31.99

    Booking for more than 1?

  • ABBATHON 1 Mile

    £29.99

    Booking for more than 1?

Book

  • ABBATHON 5K Run

    £29.99

    Booking for more than 1?

  • ABBATHON 10K Run

    £31.99

    Booking for more than 1?

  • ABBATHON 1 Mile

    £29.99

    Booking for more than 1?

What's Included

💃 Dress the part (optional)– Come in your favourite ABBA-inspired outfit or recreate one of their iconic retro looks!

🎵 Music to set the mood – The atmosphere starts strong with ABBA’s biggest hits playing at the start line.

🎤 ABBA Tribute Performance & Warm-Up – Our ABBA tribute act will perform live for at least 45 minutes before the race kicks off – the perfect way to warm up and get into the groove!

🏃 Music Guides – Run alongside our music guides, each carrying a speaker, so you can enjoy music as you run! While we can’t guarantee music coverage for the entire route, our team will be spread out to keep the tunes going.

📸 Free Event Photographs – Professional photographers will capture some of the best running moments. Photos will be available for free on our website within 72 hours after the event to share and treasure.

⏱ Chip-timed race – For those chasing a PB or wanting to track their pace, all runners will be provided with race bibs featuring chip timing. You’ll receive your official time after the run, so you can see how you did – whether you're racing competitively or just curious.

🏅 Special-Edition Finisher’s Medal – A one-of-a-kind medal inspired by iconic ABBA elements. The perfect keepsake to show off your ABBATHON pride!

🍉 Post-Race Refreshments – Refuel with fresh fruit after you cross the finish line.

✨ An inclusive, fun-filled atmosphere – Whether you're running, jogging, or walking, this event is for ABBA fans of all fitness levels.

  • 👕 Limited Edition ABBATHON Finisher’s T-Shirt (£19.99 extra cost)

How to Get There

Here’s how to get to Heaton Park from Manchester city centre:

🚋 By Tram (Easiest & Most Popular)

Route: Take the Metrolink Yellow Line towards Bury.

Stop: Get off at Heaton Park tram stop.

Journey Time: ~15–20 minutes from central stops like Piccadilly Gardens or Victoria Station.

Cost: ~£2–£4 depending on time/day and how you pay (contactless or paper ticket).

Bonus: The tram stop is right by the park entrance on Bury Old Road.

🚌 By Bus

Several bus routes serve the park area, including:

135 – from Manchester Piccadilly Gardens to Heaton Park gates (stop: Middleton Road / Heaton Park)

59, 484, 164, 165, 90 – run from various city locations and nearby suburbs

Journey Time: 25–35 minutes depending on route and traffic

Fare: Standard Manchester bus fare (~£2 per journey)

🚖 By Taxi / Uber

Journey Time: ~10–15 minutes from central Manchester

Cost: Around £10–£15, depending on traffic

🚲 By Bike

There are several cycle routes into Heaton Park from central Manchester

Bike racks are available at park entrances

🚶 On Foot

It’s around 4.5 miles (~7.2 km) from Manchester city centre to Heaton Park

Walking takes around 1.5 hours along Bury Old Road

Parking

🚗 Standard (Non‑Event) Parking

There are several official car parks at the park, including:

Lake Car Park via Sheepfoot Lane: about 263 spaces plus seasonal overflow (~1,500).

Hall Car Park, Golf Car Park, Garden Centre Car Park, and St Margaret’s Road Car Park, collectively offering several hundred spaces (Manchester City Council).

Pay‑and‑display charges apply daily between 10 am and 5 pm:

Up to 1 hour: ~£1.50

1–3 hours: ~£2.50

Over 3 hours (max): ~£3.50 (Manchester City Council).

Outside of chargeable hours (before 10 am or after 5 pm), parking is free. The same rules apply on weekends and bank holidays, unless a special event is occurring (YourParkingSpace).

Blue Badge holders can park free of charge, in any marked parking bay (not necessarily a disabled bay), provided their badge is clearly displayed (Manchester City Council).

Location

Heaton Park, Manchester M25 0EQ

FAQs

  • Who are Run Fanatics, and what do we do?

    We are your ultimate themed running events company, dedicated to making every mile you run full of excitement, fun, and unforgettable memories. Whether you're a seasoned runner or just looking to enjoy a unique experience.

  • Are your events family-friendly?

    Yes! All our events are family-friendly and open to participants of all ages. We welcome kids and families to join in the fun. Children are allowed to attend, but we do require that every child is accompanied by a participating adult, with one adult supervising a maximum of two children. While pets are not permitted to participate in the event, they are, of course, welcome to come along and spectate!

  • What is included with my registration?

    Each registration includes entry to the race, a themed medal, bottled water and fresh fruit. Check each event's description for specific details on what’s included.

  • Can I walk the race instead of running?

    Absolutely! Our events are designed for all fitness levels, so whether you prefer to run, jog, or walk, you’re more than welcome to participate at your own pace.

  • Are costumes required for themed events?

    Costumes are not required, but they are highly encouraged to add to the fun!

  • What should I wear for the race?

    Wear comfortable athletic clothing and appropriate running shoes. For themed events, feel free to dress up in line with the theme, but make sure your costume allows for comfortable movement and doesn’t pose any safety risks.

  • Will there be a bag drop?

    Yes, we will have a designated bag drop area where you can leave your belongings. However, please note that items are left at your own risk, and we strongly advise against bringing valuables. We recommend bringing only essential items to the event.

  • Will there be water stations along the route?

    Yes, we provide water stations along the race route at regular intervals and at the finish line. We also encourage participants to bring their own reusable water bottles to stay hydrated throughout the event. For 5k only events there will only be water at the finish line.

  • How do I receive my race bib and merchandise?

    Race bibs will be posted to participants approximately two weeks before the event. Merchandise will be available for collection on the day.

Reviews

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First-hand event reviews from people who have been there, done that and got the breathable T-shirt, really help everyone choose their next event. You'll be able to review this event once it's taken place.

Location

Heaton Park, Bury Old Road, Manchester, M25 1, United Kingdom

Who's In

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Doing

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Paige Mccartney

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ABBATHON 5K, 10K and 1 mile Fun Run

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