The Mid Cheshire 5K Summer 2026, organised by Run Cheshire on Friday 28 August, once again lived up to its reputation as one of the quickest 5K courses around, with a deep field producing a string of fast times and personal bests. 50 athletes went under 15 minutes.

At the front, Richard Allen of Leeds City Athletic Club took command almost immediately and never looked under serious threat. Allen led from the start and powered through the fast course to win in a chip time of 13:59, breaking the 14-minute barrier.

Behind him, Oliver Donkin of Barton & District AC finished second in 14:02, while Harry Johnson of Salford Harriers & AC completed the podium in 14:10.

The course again proved ideal for quick running. Its flat, rapid nature regularly attracts athletes looking for PBs, and that was very much the case this year.

Among those taking advantage were Deeside AAC twins Ella and Gwen Hayes, who both produced personal best performances. Ella Hayes recorded 18:14, with Gwen Hayes just three seconds behind in 18:17. The pair finished fifth and sixth respectively in the Under-21 category.

In the women’s race, Hannah Irwin of Cambridge & Coleridge AC was the leading woman, clocking an impressive 15:13. Kirsty Maher of Blackburn Harriers & AC was the leading senior woman in 15:50.

Age-category winners — chip times

Category	Winner	Club	Chip time
Male Vet 40	John Beattie	Leeds City Athletic Club	14:11
Male Vet 45	Jon Hart	Wolverhampton & Bilston	14:45
Male Vet 50	Jamie Arnold	City of Stoke AC	15:14
Male Vet 55	Francois Rafferty	Southport Waterloo AC	15:50
Male Vet 60	Lee Aherne	Parc Bryn Bach Running Club	16:42
Male Vet 65	Malcolm Eustace	Cannock & Stafford AC	18:22
Male Vet 70	Tom Rowlands	Maldwyn Harriers	19:48
Male Vet 75	Mick Fairs	Wilmslow Running Club	23:53
Female Vet 35	Katherine Fitzpatrick	Chorlton Runners	16:58
Female Vet 40	Claire Clancy	Wilmslow Running Club	17:22
Female Vet 45	Andrea Bond	Liverpool Harriers & AC	18:49
Female Vet 50	Tracy Entwistle	Warrington Road Runners	18:49
Female Vet 55	Joanne Stanfield	Trentham RC	18:42
Female Vet 60	Carol Higgs	Trentham RC	20:24
Female Vet 65	Jacqueline Cordingley	Sale Harriers Manchester	21:49

The overall category winners also included Owen Roberts of Meirionnydd Running Club, first Senior Male in 14:12, Jack Sanderson of Settle Harriers, first Under-21 male in 14:18, and Ava Clough of Trafford AC, first Under-21 female in 16:29.

With a winning time under 14 minutes, a strong women’s performance and PBs throughout the field, the Mid Cheshire 5K once again demonstrated why it has become such a popular target race for athletes chasing fast times.