DEKA, from the creators of Spartan™  is thrilled to announce the launch of DEKA  FIT Manchester, a groundbreaking indoor fitness event, testing a well-rounded mix of strength, endurance, and power. Taking place at the iconic Manchester Central venue in the heart of the city centre on 25th-26th July 2026, DEKA FIT Manchester is set to bring together athletes, fitness-enthusiasts and challengers from across the UK, and worldwide for an adrenaline-fuelled weekend of movement, competition, community, and achievement. 

DEKA is the world’s most engaged fitness community and the DEKA FIT format is not your average race. Competitors will tackle a high-intensity course consisting of ten standardised Functional Zones, preceded by 500m of running, for a total of 5km. Each zone is designed to test a well-rounded mix of strength, endurance and power, ensuring that every athlete is pushed to their limits.

Not into tackling DEKA solo? Grab your partner and take it on together. There’s nothing quite like crossing the finish line with someone beside you and DEKA FIT Teams races are back for Manchester, designed to deliver faster times, bigger energy, and a shared sense of achievement you won’t forget. Two athletes. One course. One shared goal: earn your mark together.

The Manchester event will also offer a dedicated DEKA Ruck wave whereby competitors complete the race with a weighted rucksack. Furthermore, Manchester will mark the UK debut of the DEKA FIT Ultra, an elevated format for those seeking a longer and even tougher challenge where athletes complete five circuits of the ten zone, 5K course, testing strength and endurance in a whole new way. 

For DEKA, every day is training day, every weekend is game day, and our global events are a worldwide celebration of a shared passion for fitness. DEKA accommodates a wide spectrum of fitness levels from Age Group, Elites, Youth and Adaptives, with heats available for all.  

“As a proud Mancunian, I’m absolutely delighted to welcome fitness enthusiasts from across the UK and beyond to my city for the launch of DEKA FIT Manchester 2026”, commented Vice President of DEKA International, Emily leRoux.  “Manchester has a heart that beats for passion and a history of achieving great things. This is more than a competition; it’s a true decathlon of functional fitness that gives everyone a chance to step onto the floor and ‘Earn Your Mark’. Get ready, Manchester – it’s time to test your limits!”

Victoria Braddock, Managing Director of Marketing Manchester, said: “Manchester has a proud sporting heritage, and we’re thrilled to welcome DEKA FIT to the city for the first time in July 2026. This two-day event adds to an exciting summer line-up and introduces a new type of fitness challenge to Manchester’s world-class sporting stage. Bringing together competitors of all fitness levels, we look forward to welcoming visitors to the event, who will have the opportunity to experience Manchester’s outstanding sporting facilities and competitive spirit.”

Why Manchester, and why now?

Manchester Central offers the perfect stage for this major fitness event: a landmark venue in one of the UK’s most dynamic and accessible cities. Its spacious interior gives athletes a world-class indoor environment in which to race, train and spectate. 

With a vibrant local culture and exceptional community spirit, the city is ready to welcome participants and spectators alike for the weekend’s electric atmosphere. DEKA FIT Manchester is a celebration of the city and its people, further strengthening community connections and leaving a lasting positive impact on the city’s health and wellness culture, inspiring a new generation of DEKA enthusiasts.

Get Involved

Date: 25-26th July 2026

Venue: Manchester Central, Windmill St, Manchester, United Kingdom. 

All finishers receive a DEKA FIT finisher t-shirt and medal with a detachable hex coin. For those on the path to complete the DEKA Trifecta the new hex system allows racers to collect, customise and build their legacy…one hex at a time.

Entries are now open for FIT individuals and teams, plus Ultra, and Ruck. Whether a seasoned challenger or new to the format, DEKA FIT Manchester offers a unique opportunity to step up your fitness journey, explore new communities, and make your mark on the DEKA Global Leaderboard.

For more information and registration, visit the official event page and be part of our journey on @deka.europe and @deka.fit 

Part of the Spartan™ and DEKA family, Tough Mudder is the untamed cousin that brings teamwork, grit, and a good dose of mud to the mix. Tough Mudder is also returning on 10th-11th October to the Cheshire Country Showground, just south of Manchester, bringing its 5K, 15K and Kids events back to the land where rolling with it isn’t just a song lyric, it’s a mindset.