South Cheshire Harriers has unveiled two new events designed to offer perfect preparation for runners targeting spring marathons in 2026 - but can you keep the secret? The curiously named Secret Half and Secret 20 will take place on 15 March 2026, starting from Mickley Hall near Nantwich in Cheshire.

Both races follow quiet rural lanes that remain peaceful even on a Sunday morning. While the roads will not be closed, organisers stress: "...the route is made up of very low-traffic country roads, providing an ideal environment for long distance training and race-pace running."

The Secret Half features a flat and fast 13.1-mile route made up of two loops of scenic Cheshire countryside. With less than 200 feet of elevation across the entire distance, the course has been designed to give runners an excellent chance of achieving a personal best.

For those building towards a spring marathon, the Secret 20 offers three laps of the same quiet lanes for a total of 20 miles. With under 300 feet of climbing across the distance, the course provides an ideal long-run test for runners aiming to practise pacing, endurance and nutrition ahead of a spring marathon.

Both distances finish at the Hack Green Secret Bunker with entry including a medal and goodie bag for all participants. The launch of the new event has already been welcomed by the running community. Commenting online, Glyn Pattinson said the races represent "a much needed new spring 20 miler."

If you'd like to know more, visit the Secret Half/20 entry page.

Image: Mohamed Hassan from Pixabay