Spotlight on the Upcoming Warrington Running Festival 2024: A Race for Everyone, Including the Elite!

Get ready for one of the most exciting events in the running calendar as the Warrington Running Festival returns on Sunday, September 22nd, 2024. Whether you're chasing a personal best, running for charity, or just looking to enjoy the electric atmosphere of race day, this year’s event is not to be missed. The festival will offer a 5k, 10k, Half Marathon, and Junior Races, with something for runners of all abilities.

Warrington 10k Joins the Top Flight Elite Series

In an exciting addition this year, the Warrington 10k will be part of the prestigious Top Flight by RunThrough Elite Race Series, drawing some of the UK's top athletes to the starting line. Each Top Flight race offers a ￡4,000 prize purse, split equally between male and female athletes. Prize money is awarded to the top 8 finishers who meet pre-published qualifying times. Additionally, bonus payments are available for athletes who break the course record, set a UK leading time, or break a RunThrough record. Beyond prize money, athletes will earn Top Flight ranking points at each event, which contribute to their overall series standings. The series champion will be crowned at the Ribble Valley 10k in December 2024, with each athlete’s best three results counting towards their total.

This series has been fierce, with elite runners competing across various RunThrough events to accumulate points on the leaderboard. With its fast, closed-road course, the Warrington 10k is set to be a highlight of the season, giving elite athletes the chance to go head-to-head for crucial leaderboard points. Full details for elite prize money and entry to Top Flight races can be found here .

Current Men's Leaderboard:

1. Samuel Gebreselassie (Belgrave Harriers) – 53 points, 3 races
2. Jason Bennett (Birchfield Harriers) – 43 points, 3 races
3. Jonathan Escalante-Phillips (Cambridge & Colderidge) – 43 points, 2 races
4. Richard Allen (Leeds City) – 37 points, 2 races
5. Paul Howard (St Helens Striders) – 27 points, 2 races

Current Women's Leaderboard:

1. Kirsty Longley (Liverpool Pembroke Sefton) – 35 points, 2 races
2. Kara McKenzie-Tait (Corstorphine AC) – 27 points, 3 races
3. Millie McKnespiey (Leeds City) – 27 points, 2 races
4. Jasmine Wood (Durham) – 25 points, 1 race
5. Isabel Davis (Purbeck) – 25 points, 1 race

With some of the UK's best runners set to compete, the Warrington 10k will be a race to watch, whether you're an elite runner, a club athlete, or cheering from the sidelines.

A Festival for All

While the elite runners will be battling it out in the 10k, the Warrington Running Festival remains an inclusive event designed for runners of all abilities. With race options that include a 5k, 10k, Half Marathon, and Junior Races, there's something for everyone—from first-timers to experienced racers. The event will start and finish in Bank Park, taking runners through the heart of Warrington on fully closed roads. This festival atmosphere and well-organised course make it perfect for families, groups, and solo runners alike.

Supporting St. Rocco’s Hospice

RunThrough is proud to partner with St. Rocco’s Hospice as the official Charity of the Year. St. Rocco’s provides vital care and support for people living with life-limiting illnesses. By participating in the Warrington Running Festival, you’ll have the chance to support this incredible cause, helping to raise funds for the hospice’s essential work. Whether you’re running in memory of someone or just want to give back, every step you take makes a difference.

Be Part of Something Special

Last year’s event saw an incredible 6,000 runners take to the streets of Warrington, many of them first-time runners, making it a standout event in the RunThrough calendar. As the RunThrough Foundation’s first-ever free road-closed event, it set the standard for community-focused running, breaking down barriers to participation. The energy and excitement from last year’s race inspired this year’s free LONDON TEN event, and we can’t wait to build on that success.

Register Now

With races for all abilities, the excitement of the Top Flight Elite Series, and the opportunity to support St. Rocco’s Hospice, the Warrington Running Festival promises to be one of the best running events of the year. Whether you're running for a personal best, supporting a great cause, or simply enjoying the vibrant festival atmosphere, this is an event you don’t want to miss.

Registration is open now—secure your spot and join us for an unforgettable day of racing on September 22nd!