Cheshire Running Events

Discover upcoming 5K, 10K, half marathons, and ultra events across Chester, Stockport, Macclesfield, Warrington, and Crewe. Filter by distance and location to find your next race. Join thousands of Cheshire runners discovering events and building community.

Upcoming Cheshire Runs

Looking for a 10K in Cheshire this weekend, or planning ahead for a Cheshire half marathon? Browse our full calendar of upcoming races and running events.

10K
March 8, 2026
High Legh

High Legh 10K

Half Marathon
March 15, 2026
10K
May 10, 2026
Alderley Edge, UK

Alderley Edge 10K

10K
May 24, 2026
Knutsford, UK

Cheshire 10k

10K Trail
June 7, 2026
Tarporley, Cheshire

Protein Rebel Running Festival

Why Cheshire is Great for Running

Cheshire offers diverse terrain and a thriving running community for all abilities. Whether you’re training for your first 5K or chasing a personal best at a half marathon, Cheshire has something for every runner.

Diverse Terrain for Every Runner

Cheshire’s landscape is perfect for varied training. The rolling hills around Macclesfield and Congleton provide excellent hill training opportunities, while the flatter routes around Warrington and Stockport are ideal for speed work and tempo runs. The Cheshire countryside offers scenic trail running through the Pennine foothills, perfect for building strength and enjoying nature.

Strong Running Community

With over 20 active running clubs across Cheshire, you’ll find a welcoming community no matter where you are. From beginner-friendly parkruns to competitive race clubs, Cheshire’s running scene is inclusive and supportive. Many clubs offer coached sessions, social runs, and training programs tailored to different distances and abilities.

Year-Round Events

Cheshire hosts 60+ running events annually, from small local 5K fun runs to major half marathons and ultra marathons. Events run throughout the year, so you can always find a race to train for. Spring and autumn are particularly popular, with ideal weather conditions for racing.

Accessible Routes and Facilities

Cheshire’s towns and cities have excellent running infrastructure. Well-maintained parks, canal towpaths, and country lanes provide safe, scenic routes for training. Most events are held in accessible locations with good parking and public transport links.

Gateway to Peak District

For trail runners and fell runners, Cheshire is perfectly positioned near the Peak District. Many Cheshire runners use local events as stepping stones to more challenging fell races in the nearby hills.

How to Train for Cheshire Races

Cheshire’s varied terrain means you can tailor your training to the specific demands of your target race. Here’s how to make the most of local conditions.

Training for Hill Races (Macclesfield & Congleton Area)

Races in the southern Cheshire hills require specific preparation:

Key training focus:

  • Build leg strength with hill repeats (1-2x per week)
  • Practice downhill running technique to prevent injury
  • Include long runs on undulating terrain
  • Strengthen quads and glutes with gym work

Recommended training plan: 12-week hill-focused program

  • Weeks 1-4: Base building with hill repeats
  • Weeks 5-8: Intensity work on longer hills
  • Weeks 9-12: Race-specific training with full-distance hill runs

Local training routes:

  • Macclesfield Forest loops (excellent for hill repeats)
  • Congleton Edge trails (scenic hill training)
  • Bosley Cloud (short, steep hill repeats)

Training for Flat Races (Warrington & Stockport Area)

Flat courses around Warrington and Stockport reward speed and endurance:

Key training focus:

  • Develop aerobic capacity with tempo runs
  • Build speed with track sessions or road intervals
  • Practice race-pace running
  • Strengthen core for running economy

Recommended training plan: 8-week speed-focused program

  • Weeks 1-2: Base building with easy runs
  • Weeks 3-5: Tempo runs and interval work
  • Weeks 6-7: Race-pace sessions
  • Week 8: Taper and race

Local training routes:

  • Warrington town loop (flat, fast)
  • Stockport canal towpath (scenic, flat)
  • Tatton Park (rolling, good for varied paces)

Training for Trail Races (Cheshire Countryside)

Trail races demand technical footwork and mental toughness:

Key training focus:

  • Build ankle stability and balance
  • Practice technical footwork on uneven terrain
  • Develop mental resilience for challenging conditions
  • Include hill training for elevation gain

Recommended training plan: 10-week trail-specific program

  • Weeks 1-3: Base building on trails
  • Weeks 4-6: Technical skills and hill work
  • Weeks 7-9: Race-specific distance on trails
  • Week 10: Taper and race

Local training routes:

  • Delamere Forest (excellent technical trails)
  • Peckforton Hills (scenic, challenging terrain)
  • Frodsham Hill (short, steep trail repeats)

General Training Tips for Cheshire Runners

Use local parkruns for speed work:

  • Tatton Park Parkrun (flat, fast)
  • Stockport Parkrun (rolling terrain)
  • Warrington Parkrun (canal-side, scenic)

Join a local running club for coached sessions:

  • Most clubs offer 2-3 sessions per week
  • Mix of easy runs, tempo work, and long runs
  • Social element keeps you motivated

Cross-training opportunities:

  • Cheshire’s gyms and leisure centres offer pool sessions
  • Cycling routes along canal towpaths
  • Strength training classes at local clubs

Frequently Asked Questions

What 10K races are happening in Cheshire?

Cheshire hosts several 10K races throughout the year. The most popular include the Chester 10K (spring), Stockport 10K (summer), and Macclesfield 10K (autumn). Use the filters above to see all upcoming 10K events in your area, or check our calendar view to browse by month.

Where can I find 5K runs near me in Cheshire?

You can search for 5K runs using the distance filter above. Most towns in Cheshire have regular parkruns (free, weekly 5K races on Saturday mornings). Try Tatton Park Parkrun (near Knutsford), Stockport Parkrun, or Warrington Parkrun. Many running clubs also organize 5K training runs during the week.

What are the best half marathons in Cheshire?

The Chester Half Marathon (spring) and Stockport Half Marathon (autumn) are the most popular. Both attract 1,000+ runners and offer scenic courses. Smaller, community-focused half marathons are also held throughout the year. Filter by “half marathon” above to see all options.

Are there running clubs in Cheshire?

Yes! Cheshire has 7+ active running clubs across Chester, Stockport, Macclesfield, Warrington, Crewe, Wilmslow, and Congleton. See our Running Clubs directory above for details on meeting times, routes, and how to join. Most clubs are free or low-cost and welcome runners of all abilities.

When is the next running event in Cheshire?

Check the event listings above to see all upcoming races. You can also filter by date or location to find events near you. Most events are listed 2-3 months in advance, so check back regularly for new additions.

How do I train for a Cheshire running event?

It depends on the race distance and terrain. See our “How to Train for Cheshire Races” section above for specific guidance on hill races, flat races, and trail races. We recommend joining a local running club for coached sessions and training support.

Can I run parkrun in Cheshire?

Yes! Cheshire has several parkruns:

  • Tatton Park Parkrun (near Knutsford) – flat, fast course
  • Stockport Parkrun – rolling terrain
  • Warrington Parkrun – canal-side, scenic

Parkruns are free, weekly 5K races held on Saturday mornings. Perfect for building fitness and meeting other runners.

What’s the best time of year to race in Cheshire?

Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-October) offer ideal racing conditions with mild temperatures and lower humidity. Summer races are popular but can be hot. Winter races are less common but offer a good training opportunity. Check the calendar above to see what’s available.

Useful Sources

Cheshire Running Community:

Training & Fitness:

Local Information:

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