Waters Wilmslow Running Festival 2026 Wilmslow, United Kingdom
Overview
The Waters Wilmslow Running Festival is one of the premier sporting events in the North West of England, attracting thousands of athletes to the scenic Cheshire countryside. Established in the 1980s, the festival centers around the legendary Wilmslow Half Marathon, a course renowned among runners for being incredibly flat and fast. Alongside the main event, the festival includes an Asics-sponsored 10K and a community-focused 2.5K Fun Run, ensuring there is a distance suitable for every level of fitness, from elite competitors to local families.
This event is celebrated for its electric atmosphere and professional organization, featuring full road closures to provide a safe and traffic-free environment for all participants. The race routes wind through beautiful country lanes, offering a picturesque backdrop that keeps runners motivated toward the finish line at the Wilmslow Rugby Union Football Club. Beyond the competition, the festival serves a significant philanthropic purpose, having raised over 1.25 million dollars for various charities since its inception, making it a cornerstone of community spirit and sporting excellence.
Event Highlights
- Diverse Race Categories: featuring the iconic Asics Half Marathon, a high-speed 10K road race, and a 2.5K Fun Run for all ages.
- PB Potential Course: designed with a flat and fast profile on 100 percent paved road surfaces, perfect for runners looking to set personal best times.
- Vibrant Event Village: located at the finish area, offering a festival atmosphere with food stalls, retail partners, and entertainment for spectators.
- Professional Race Support: including chip timing for accurate results, distance markers, water stations, and free high-resolution race photos for all finishers.
Why Attend
This festival is a must-attend for anyone passionate about running, whether you are a seasoned marathoner or a beginner looking for your first race medal. Serious athletes will appreciate the fast, traffic-free course which is ideal for achieving a qualifying time or a personal record. Meanwhile, recreational runners can enjoy the incredible crowd support and the scenic beauty of the Cheshire lanes, providing a rewarding experience that balances physical challenge with natural scenery.
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The event is perfectly suited for families and groups who want to share a healthy day out. The inclusion of the Fun Run means children and parents can participate together, while the Team Challenge allows colleagues and friends to compete for collective glory. If you want to be part of a long-standing British running tradition that gives back to the community through charity, the Waters Wilmslow Running Festival offers an unmatched blend of competition, camaraderie, and celebration.
Date & Duration
- Event Date: Sunday, 22nd March 2026.
- Start Time: Races begin at 9:30 AM for the 10K and Half Marathon, with the Fun Run following shortly after.
Venue / Location
- City and Country: Wilmslow, United Kingdom.
- Venue: Wilmslow Rugby Union Football Club (RUFC), Memorial Ground.
- Google Maps Address: Memorial Ground, King’s Rd, Wilmslow SK9 5PZ, United Kingdom.
Ticket Information
- How Tickets Are Sold: Entries are available exclusively online through the official event website and authorized registration platforms like Nifty Entries.
- Admission Type: General admission for participants via race entry; free for spectators to watch along the route and in the event village.
- Ticket Pricing: Entry fees range approximately from $10.00 to $47.00 depending on the race category and early bird availability.
- Pricing Details: The Fun Run is approximately $10.50, the 10K is roughly $33.00, and the Half Marathon is approximately $46.50.
- Special Seating or VIP Options: While there is no grandstand seating, the event village offers dedicated areas for club tents and charity partners to host their runners.
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Contact Information
- Email: info@wilmslowrunningfestival.org.uk
- Phone: +44 1625 539000
- Website: https://wilmslowrunningfestival.org.uk/home-2026
- Social Media:
- https://www.facebook.com/wilmslowrunningfestival/
- https://www.instagram.com/wilmslowrunningfestival/
Getting There
- Nearest Airports: Manchester Airport (MAN) is only 8 km from the venue, taking approximately 15 minutes by taxi or train.
- Public Transport: Wilmslow Train Station is a 10-minute walk from the race village, with direct links from Manchester Piccadilly and London Euston.
- Taxi/Rideshare: Local taxi services and Uber operate throughout Wilmslow; a ride from the town center to the venue is approximately $10.00 to $15.00.
- Parking: Limited parking at the Rugby Club; participants are encouraged to use town center car parks like Spring Street for around $10.00 per day.
- Other Access: The venue is easily accessible by bike with storage available at the nearby Leisure Centre; walking from the town center takes about 15 minutes.
Accommodation Options
- Luxury Hotels: Mottram Hall (4-star, 4 km, historic estate with golf and spa, $180 to $320 per night); The Alderley Edge Hotel (4-star, 3 km, boutique elegance $160 to $250 per night).
- Mid-Range Options: Premier Inn Wilmslow (3-star, 1.5 km, reliable comfort, $90 to $140 per night); Travelodge Wilmslow (3-star, 1 km, central location $75 to $125 per night).
- Budget Stays: Wilmslow Lodge (3-star, 1.2 km, traditional pub-style rooms $70 to $110 per night); EasyHotel Manchester Airport (2-star, 7 km, basic and efficient $55 to $90 per night).
Reviews
- The atmosphere was absolutely buzzing and the course is definitely as fast as they say.
- Loved the local support from people standing in their gardens cheering us on the whole way.
- Such a well-organized race with great medals and the free photos were a fantastic bonus.
Maps
Contact
Video
FAQ's
Are there any age restrictions for the different race distances?
The Half Marathon requires participants to be at least 17 years old on race day, while the 10K is open to those aged 15 and over. The 2.5K Fun Run has no specific age limit, making it ideal for young children and families to enjoy together. Parents are required to supervise younger children during the Fun Run to ensure safety on the course.
Will I receive my race number and timing chip in the mail?
Race packs including numbers and timing chips are typically mailed out to UK-based participants about two weeks before the event. International runners or late entries may be required to collect their packs from the registration desk at the Rugby Club. It is important to secure your bib early on race morning if you have not received it by post to avoid delays.
Is the course fully closed to traffic during the festival?
Yes, the festival organizers implement full road closures across the entire route to ensure a safe environment for all athletes. Local marshals and police assist in managing the closures, which remain in place until the last runner has safely passed. This allows participants to focus entirely on their performance and the beautiful surroundings without worrying about vehicles.
What kind of rewards or goodies do finishers receive?
Every finisher in the Half Marathon and 10K receives a bespoke commemorative medal and a selection of post-race refreshments. Fun Run participants are also rewarded with a medal, along with a chocolate bar and a drink to celebrate their achievement. Additionally, all runners can download high-resolution professional race photos for free after the event.
Can I wear headphones while participating in the races?
In accordance with UK Athletics rules, standard in-ear headphones are generally not permitted as runners must be able to hear marshal instructions. Bone-conducting headphones are usually the only exception allowed because they leave the ear canal open to ambient sound. Safety is a priority on the course, so runners are encouraged to enjoy the natural atmosphere and crowd support instead.
