It all started back in June with a message from my friend Dan:
“Hey, so priorities!
- Are you going to Data Decoded?
- If not, why not?
- Please set up the #DataFitClub run :)”
A quick check revealed the event was being held in Manchester, an easy trip from Sheffield, so the answer was clear. Even if I couldn’t make the whole event, I could still get over to lead a run! So yes, I was going. And yes, #DataFitClub was going on tour.
Historically, we’ve run #DataFitClub sessions in London during Big Data LDN, where George McCrea has masterfully organised sunrise loops around Hyde Park. This time, it was my turn to plan something a little further north.
A few internet searches later, I landed on what looked like the perfect loop: a 5–6 km tour of Manchester’s urban waterways and landmarks. I wanted something social and scenic, even in the dark. With the conference venue located just behind the Central Library, St Peter’s Square was the obvious choice for a meetup spot: iconic and accessible.
Fast forward to October. After a busy workday, I dashed across to Manchester, arriving at Manchester Central (the historic railway station turned conference venue) just in time for the meetup group and after-party.
Let’s just say… not the most disciplined preparation for a 6:30 am run, all be it a fun one!
At 6:00 am, the alarm buzzed. A quick hot drink, a bleary-eyed elevator ride from the 10th floor, and I was on my way. The city was surprisingly awake, and outside the library, two runners were already waiting. A few minutes later, all five of us were together some familiar faces, others new to the club. And then, off we went into the darkness.
We headed south down Oxford Road and descended some steps onto the Rochdale Canal towpath, once part of the city’s industrial heartbeat, now a peaceful route beneath the streets. Lost in conversation, we overshot the turn into Castlefield, retraced a few steps and soon found ourselves in the Castlefield Basin, where cobbled bridges crisscrossed the canal and the remains of the Roman fort hinted at deeper layers of history beneath our feet. From there, we followed the Bridgewater Canal, crossed a sweeping footbridge toward Liverpool Road, passed the Science and Industry Museum and joined the River Irwell.
A quiet moment came as we crossed into Salford over Irwell Street, heading along the other side of the river and under the three way footbridge, Trinity Bridge, which crosses the River Irwell and links the two cities of Manchester and Salford. It is an early work of the renowned Spanish architect, Santiago Calatrava. Then back again into Manchester near the Cathedral, where one of the city’s iconic bee sculptures reminded us of Manchester’s past: built by workers and more recently, defined by a spirit of unity and resilience.
We wound our way through the sleeping streets, past the Civic Centre and returned to our starting point at the library. Calling it a “sunrise run” might have been a little optimistic. The overcast morning offered no sunrise to speak of. Still what a great route. What a great bunch of people. And what a wonderful way to start the day.
These runs aren’t about PBs or paces, they’re about connection. Exploring a city together. Getting a few miles in before the conference badge goes on. And remembering that in the world of data, just like in running, showing up and moving forward together is what really counts.
👟 Want to join the next one?
Follow #DataFitClub or drop me a message. We’re just getting started.