There are three months to go until the 2025 staging of the Four Villages Half Marathon, one of Cheshire's most popular events thanks to its scenic course and community feel. The date you'll need to note is 19 January. 

Runners are treated to a scenic 13.1 mile road race through rural countryside, passing the Cheshire villages of Dunham on the Hill, Mouldsworth, Manley, Alvanley and Helsby with 170m of climb.

The race will once again provide pacers for those looking to achieve a target time. Organisers, Helsby Running Club, say: "Our pacers have been a huge hit and will be back for the 2025 race. We’ll confirm what times we’ll have pacers for closer to the time, previously we have offered a small number of pace runners. These are the expected groups: 01:30 (6:52 per mile), 01:45 (8.01), 02:00 (9:09), 02:15 (10:18). These are on a ‘best efforts’ basis – PBs are not guaranteed!"

Runners set off from Helsby Community Sports Club and finish at Hornsmill Primary School where they will receive their well-earned medal and chocolate bar. The school is a convenient 800m walk back to the start where there are changing facilities, toilets, tea/coffee and a bar for a post race celebratory drink!

All runners will receive a commemorative medal and there will be age category prizes available. You can buy a race t-shirt when entering the race which can be collected from Race HQ. There are a limited number of race t-shirts available to buy on the day. Our t-shirts are designed by local school students – the winning design will be announced in due course.

Fancy running the course prior to race day? Organisers told us: "We love the Four Villages course so I’m sure there will be (unofficial) recces of the route – usually between Christmas and New Year, details will be posted on our socials."

If you'd like to know more, visit the Helsby Running Club website.

Image: Four Villages Half Marathon Facebook