The 2026 Four Villages Half Marathon takes place on Sunday, January 18, 2026, starting at 10:30 AM from the Helsby Community Sports Club in the United Kingdom. Organized by the Helsby Running Club, this 42nd annual event features a UKA-certified 13.1-mile course with 170 meters of elevation gain through the rolling Cheshire countryside. Participants can expect a community-run atmosphere with aid stations at miles 5, 8, and 10, a 3-hour cut-off time, and winter weather conditions typical for mid-January in the region.
When and where does the event start?
→Date: Sunday, January 18, 2026
→Start Time: 10:30 AM
→Start Location: Helsby Community Sports Club (WA6 0FX)
Who organizes this event?
→Helsby Running Club
What recognition has this event received?
→Voted #1 Half Marathon (North) by Runner's World / Let's Do This
What is the charity focus?
→Raises funds for local causes
→Over £14,000 donated in 2025
Course & Logistics
What distances are available for this event?
→Half Marathon (13.1 miles) - UKA-certified
What is the elevation profile?
→Elevation Gain: 170 meters
→Terrain: Rolling countryside with modest climbs
What are the key features of the course?
→Scenic route through five Cheshire villages
→Start: Helsby Community Sports Club (WA6 0FX)
→Finish: Hornsmill Primary School (WA6 0ED)
→Finish location is 800 meters (approximately 5 minutes) walk back to Race HQ
Where are the aid stations located?
→Mile 5
→Mile 8
→Mile 10
→Finish line
What is provided at aid stations?
→Water only
→No gels provided
What is the cut-off time?
→3 hours total (13:44/mile pace)
→Runners past the 10-mile mark after 2 hours 20 minutes will be redirected to shuttles
Entry & Pricing
When does registration open and close?
→Opens: October 1, 2025
→Closes: 24 hours before race, or when sold out
How much does registration cost?
→£29 for UKA-affiliated runners (active England Athletics membership required)
→£31 for non-affiliated runners
What is the refund policy?
→Until December 1, 2025: Full refund minus £2 admin fee
→Until January 10, 2026: Full refund minus £5 admin fee
→After January 11, 2026: No refunds
Are transfers and cancellations allowed?
→Yes, transfers and cancellations are allowed up to 24 hours before race
How is entry confirmation provided?
→Sent via email
→Listed on Nifty
Race Day Experience
What facilities are available at Race HQ?
→Bag drop (closes 10:15 AM)
→Changing rooms and showers
→Tea/coffee pre-race
→Bar post-race (soft and alcoholic drinks)
→WI-provided free tea/coffee for all runners
→Warm-up on the 3G pitch
What is provided at the finish line?
→Handcrafted Slate & Oak Finisher Medal (sustainably made by Tilia Craft)
→Chocolate bar
→Medical support and first aid
What does the finisher medal feature?
→Course outline
→Engraved village names
Pacing & Timing
What are the start waves and pace zones?
→Wave Start at 10:30 AM with pace zones:
- Sub-1:30 (White)
- Sub-1:45 (Green)
- Sub-2:00 (Red)
- Sub-2:15 (Blue)
- Sub-2:30+ (Yellow)
Are pacers provided?
→Yes, pacers provided for approximately 1:30, 1:45, 2:00, and 2:15
What timing system is used?
→Chip and Gun Timing
→Results live on Nifty
→SMS results option available
Prizes & Recognition
What does every finisher receive?
→Bespoke slate-oak medal
What prizes are available for age category winners?
→1st place M/F in each age category: £50 sports voucher (emailed post-race)
What are the prizes for top 3 overall finishers?
→1st Place: £250
→2nd Place: £125
→3rd Place: £75
When and where are overall awards presented?
→1:00 PM upstairs at Race HQ
Is photography provided?
→Free professional photos by Mick Hall Photography
Spectator & Travel Info
What are the Park & Ride options?
→EET/ESSAR Stanlow Induction Centre (Pool Lane, Elton)
- Buses run from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM (last departure)
→Helsby High School (WA6 0HY)
- Very limited spaces, fills by 9:00 AM
Are there parking restrictions?
→No parking at Race HQ or residential streets (strictly enforced)
What are the best spectating spots?
→Early: Along Chester Road, just after start
→Finish: Denbigh Close (outside Hornsmill School)
Policies & Restrictions
What items are not permitted?
→Pushchairs (UKA rule)
→Dogs
→Unofficial pacers/helpers
→Headphones (only bone-conducting allowed with low volume)
What is permitted with advance notification?
→Guide runners (notify in advance: 4vhm@helsbyrunningclub.org.uk)
