Sixty editions, two very different venues and a remarkable collection of fast times. The Wolverton 5 returns to Willen Lake on Saturday 28 November 2026, celebrating a milestone that stretches all the way back to the first race in 1965.

Originally staged around the streets near Wolverton Railway Works, the five mile race was established by Wolverton Athletics Club and quickly developed a reputation for competitive running. Its early history includes victories by leading British athletes, with Gordon Rimmer recording 23:08 in 1980 during a memorable contest with fellow international steeplechaser Roger Hackney.

The move to Willen Lake in 1991 opened another chapter. The fast, traffic free course around the north and south lakes has since witnessed some outstanding performances, including Alison Wyeth's 26:21 in 1992 and Justin Hobbs' 23:01 the following year. Both remain at the top of the event's historical rankings.

More recently, George Wheeler came tantalisingly close to Hobbs' mark in 2024, clocking 23:04 in a performance that was the fastest five mile time recorded in Britain that year. Remarkably, at least 62 of the 109 finishers achieved lifetime personal bests, underlining the course's enduring appeal.

The 2026 race will be held over a flat, chip timed course, with runners starting at noon and every entrant receiving a commemorative T-shirt. Entry costs £15 for affiliated athletes and £18 for unattached runners, with a limited number of places potentially available on race day.

For an event that has witnessed more than six decades of British club running history, the 60th Wolverton 5 promises another opportunity to celebrate the distance, the athletes and the volunteers who have kept this remarkable race alive.

Entries are still available for this historic running via the runABC race hub.

Image shows the 46th annual Wolverton 5 start in 2010 courtesy ResultsBase.net.