Wilmslow Running Festival Half Marathon Incorporating England Masters 2027 Selection Race
Race date: Sunday 22nd March 2026
Race report by Dot Kesterton

Just over an hour from home, with closed rural lanes and only 111 meters of elevation, this race promised to be a good opportunity to work the legs after a long, cold, wet winter and press for England Masters qualification for next year when I go into a new age group.

Wilmslow sits to the South East of Manchester Airport near Alderley Edge, a fancy part of Cheshire. I met Strider John Nicholson, M70 for a welcome lift to the race. Parking, and pre-race warm up space were sufficient but the inevitable queue for toilets slowed the planned preparation.

Sunday 22nd March was fairly warm and sunny with only light winds so this was a good chance to run comfortably among the 3000 or so others with my eye on England selection for next year.

I joined Caroline Brock W40 towards the front of the pack for last minute chat about tactics and aims. My plan was to stick to around 5 m k pace to achieve a 1 hour 45 finish. That should be enough for selection to next year’s Home International Half Marathon.

For the first eleven or twelve kilometers I plodded my usual pattern feeling good whilst enjoying the distraction of a constant stream of aircraft taking off above our heads. At the turn around at Mobberley village I noticed that the gentle descent out was going to be a gradual incline back. Slowly my pace dropped as I fought to maintain form. By 19k the going was tough and I had to push through all the temptations to walk for a while. Finally, with the supporter’s encouragement and a glimpse of the gantry I gave a last little burst to a much needed finish and rest.

Results confirmed a W70 win on gun time by a few seconds in 1:47.02, 1:46.45 chip ahead of Angela Oldham W70 by a whisker, but her chip time was a few seconds faster than mine. However, gun time is the measure so I got the lead position, W70 prize, a 92.42% AG and selection to run for England W75’s in 2027.

Dot Kesterton

The race was won by Lawrence McCourt, Morpeth Harriers in 64.44.
First woman was Stephie Pennycook, Leeds City AC in 1:13.21.

My thanks to John Rothwell, coach; Donovan Blake, S&C coach and Matt at myRacekit North for his support and kit advice.

Congratulations to Caroline Brock who retook the Striders FV40 half marathon record with a chip time of 01:22:40

Caroline Brock

Half-marathon Striders Results