Manchester’s running scene has a new rhythm thanks to the January opening of Voodoo Running, a dynamic retail and community hub designed by award-winning design studio YOUTH. Known for their compelling approach to interiors across retail, residential, hospitality, and workspaces, YOUTH has transformed Voodoo Running’s digital identity into a physical space that embodies movement, endurance and connection.
Far from your run of the mill retail outlet, this 80 square metre space is a stripped-back, immersive environment that speaks to the raw energy of running culture. A place to shop, train, connect, and recharge, Voodoo Running is built around the belief that running is more than simply a sport, rather a way of life.
With a design brief calling for high-performance functionality balanced with warmth and authenticity, YOUTH has crafted a space that adapts and evolves with its community, and fits in nicely with its Northern Quarter neighbours. Minimalist yet inviting, the aesthetic fuses industrial steel, reclaimed wood, and textured surfaces, grounding the space in durability and grit. Muted greys of concrete and metal form the foundation, allowing products and people to take centre stage, while subtle tactile elements provide balance and contrast.
True to YOUTH’s signature style, monolithic sculptural forms define the interior, serving as both striking focal points and interactive installations. These elements are not just about aesthetics, they invite movement, conversation, and engagement, reinforcing the space’s role as a gathering spot for runners of all levels.
Whether you’re gearing up for a marathon, looking for a place to swap stories with fellow runners, or simply seeking a fresh new retail experience, Voodoo Running is an inspired meeting place where performance comes together with culture, and where community reigns above all.
Voodoo Running Manchester Photography, courtesy YOUTH.
