The Oldham Halloween Half

13.1 miles. Hills. Moors. Community. One of the toughest half marathons in the country — and one of the best.

Non-club runners: £35.
Club runners/Oldham Active Members: £33

Sunday 25 October 2026 Start: 9:30am · Oldham Town Centre

Challenge

Launched in 2012, the Halloween Half has grown into one of Oldham’s most-loved sporting events. More than 400 runners take on the course each year – from local running clubs and seasoned racers to charity fundraisers doing it for the first time.

It’s not a flat, fast race. The course climbs steadily from the town centre up to Grains Bar at 340 metres, then winds through the Saddleworth villages of Delph, Dobcross, Uppermill and Greenfield before bringing you back through Lees and Glodwick to the finish line.

Course

Starting and finishing on Yorkshire Street in Oldham town centre, the route takes you out through Derker and Watersheddings before the big climb to Grains Bar. From the peak, you’ll run through some of the best scenery the borough has — Saddleworth countryside, moorland, and the villages below. Then it’s the return leg back into town.

Distance: 13.1 miles (21.1km)

Chip timed. Four water stations on route, plus one at the finish.

2026 Race Pack

Download HERE

New Route Start & Finish and change from Mile 11/12/13

Please note the start and finish line is now on St Mary’s Way.

Change in Glodwick (miles 11, 12, 13)

Keep on the left-hand side down Glodwick Road until Glodwick Health Centre. Marshals will cross you over the zebra crossing. Continue to run down Glodwick Road on the right-hand side. You will run past Waterloo Street this year (2026), turning right onto Park Road. Run down Park Road until turning right down Woodstock Street. Run towards the Waterloo Street Mini Roundabout, then left up Waterloo Street and then back up St Mary’s Way towards the finish line.

Please listen to the Marshals on the route, who will direct you along the route.

If you have an account on Good Run Guide, you can view the route by clicking here

Got Questions?

What to expect on race day

Registration opens at [TIME TBC] at Oldham Leisure Centre. Please do not park at the Leisure Centre — use town centre car parks, which are a short walk from the start line.
No headphones or portable audio devices are permitted on the course. This is a safety requirement as the route runs on open roads.
Fancy dress is welcome and very much encouraged.
Rolling road closures will be in place along the route. Full details will be sent to registered runners before race day.

I Want to get involved without running?

We need marshals, water station crew, registration staff, and help with set-up and de-rig. Volunteering at the Halloween Half is a brilliant way to be part of the day.

To sign up to volunteer email [email protected]

Do I have to wear a costume?

No, but you’re very welcome to.

Can I run with headphones?

No — open roads, safety requirement.

Where do I park?

Town centre car parks. Not Oldham Leisure Centre.

What do I get for finishing?

A medal and a t-shirt.