2026 Four Villages Half Marathon

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: [email protected])

What is the weather plan?

• →Gritters on standby for ice
• →Winter-appropriate layers encouraged
• →Discarded pre-race clothing donated to charity

Sustainability & Community

What are the sustainability initiatives?

• →Eco-friendly slate & oak medals (Tilia Craft)
• →"Trees not Tees" ethos
• →Encourage carpooling and bus use
• →All surplus clothing and unclaimed items donated

Are volunteers needed?

• →Yes, volunteers are needed
• →Contact: [email protected]