ABBATHON 5K & 10K Themed Run - Manchester

ABBATHON brings together the fun of an ABBA tribute show with the buzz of a 5K or 10K run.

Whether you’re a seasoned runner, a complete beginner, or simply a devoted ABBA fan, ABBATHON is designed to be welcoming, accessible and full of feel-good energy from start to finish.

Run, jog, walk or dance your way around the course through one of the city’s most iconic parks, with ABBA hits keeping the atmosphere high every step of the way.

Whether you’re chasing a PB, running your first 5K, or just here for the ABBA vibes, ABBATHON is all about enjoying every step.

We’re taking the tribute act out of the pub and into the park for the whole family to enjoy, combining live music, a DJ, on-course music guides, professional photography and finisher’s medals to create a fully immersive themed race experience.

From the live tribute performance to the music around the course and finisher’s medal, ABBATHON is a feel-good running experience like no other. Don’t miss your chance to be part of it.

💃 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.

Here are several convenient ways to get to Heaton Park for the ABBATHON 5K & 10K Themed Run. Here's how you can reach the venue by public transport, car, bike, and on foot:

🚆 By Public Transport Metrolink: Take the Metrolink tram towards Bury and get off at Heaton Park or Bowker Vale – both are just a short walk from the park’s entrances. Bus: Several bus routes serve the area, including the 135 and 59, stopping close to the park.

🚗 By Car Heaton Park is accessible via the M60 (Junction 19) and A576 Middleton Road. Limited parking is available at Heaton Park on a first-come, first-served basis, so we recommend arriving early. Additional parking may be available nearby in Prestwich or Higher Blackley.

🚴‍♂️ By Bike There are bike racks available at various entrances to Heaton Park. The park is easily accessible via local cycle routes, making it a great option for those coming from the city centre or surrounding suburbs.

🚶‍♀️ On Foot Heaton Park is within walking distance of local tram stops and residential areas. Simply follow the signposted pedestrian routes to the nearest park entrance.

Whichever way you choose to travel, we can’t wait to see you there for a feel-good, ABBA-themed day out!

🚗 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).