The Rochdale Three Day Event will celebrate a milestone in 2026 as the popular series marks its 30th annual staging with events running 12, 13 and 14 June. A long standing fixture in the North West running calendar, the event challenges participants across three very different six mile races on consecutive days, covering road, multi terrain and fell.

Organisers, Rochdale Harriers, say: "While each race can be entered individually, those who complete all three are rewarded with a unique test of endurance and versatility, along with a strong sense of achievement."

The action begins on Friday evening with the Norden 6 Mile Road Race, renowned for being breathtaking in more ways than one, featuring around 700 feet of ascent. Runners are treated to expansive views on the climb up Edenfield Road before descending via Ashworth Valley Road.

On Saturday attention turns to the Naden Valley Multi Terrain Race. This undulating three lap route takes in School Lane, a stream crossing and a stretch past the Three Owls Bird Sanctuary. Covering 9.3K with 241 metres of ascent, it provides a different challenge underfoot.

The finale comes on Sunday with the Knowl Hill Fell Race. The six mile route skirts alongside Greenbooth and Naden Reservoirs before a hands on scramble up to the moors. Runners then loop around the Knowl Hill trig point, descend quickly back towards the reservoirs and tackle a final climb before the run in to the finish near Doctor Dam.

The fastest cumulative time across all three days stands at 1:48:42, recorded by Dave Lewis in 2000, while Lucy Whittaker set the quickest women’s aggregate of 2:12:32 seconds that same year.

If you'd like to know more, visit the Rochdale Harriers website.

Image: Rochdale Harriers