The Wilmslow Running Festival will return on 22 March next year, offering runners a choice of a half marathon, 10K or fun run at one of the North West’s most popular spring events.

Held on fully or largely traffic-free roads around Wilmslow, the festival has become a firm favourite for those building towards a spring marathon. With its mid-March timing, the event is widely used as a final long run or dress rehearsal for runners targeting the London or Manchester Marathon, providing an ideal opportunity to practise race pace, clothing, footwear and nutrition in a competitive setting.

The headline half marathon is expected to sell out once again in 2026. The scenic course takes runners along closed country lanes and has now been confirmed as an England Masters qualifying event. Athletes hoping to qualify for the 2027 England Masters Half Marathon representative race must register in advance, as post-race registrations will not be accepted.

The 10K also attracts strong fields, with a fast and flat route designed to suit runners of all abilities, whether chasing a personal best or using the race as part of their marathon preparation. Both the half marathon and 10K will again feature the popular Team Challenge, where teams compete collectively using their fastest three finishers. To be eligible, teams must be mixed, including at least one male and one female among the counting runners.

A 2.5K fun run will complete the day’s programme, giving younger runners and families the chance to take part on closed roads. The first three finishers in the fun run will each receive a Running Bear teddy at the prizegiving.

If you'd like to know more, visit the Wilmslow Running Festival website.

Image: Wilmslow Running Festival Facebook