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 26 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.
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.