Shavington Leisure Centre

South Cheshire 20 mile

The South Cheshire 20 is a well-established road race that serves as a premier training event for runners preparing for autumn marathons. Known for its challenging profile and excellent organisation, the race is a single 20-mile loop through the scenic, rural lanes of South Cheshire and the Staffordshire border. The course is officially described as “undulating,” but many runners consider it “relentlessly hilly.” It is not a mountain race, but the constant rolling terrain makes it much tougher than a flat city marathon. The route passes through several picturesque villages, including Weston, Englesea Brook, Betley, Wrinehill, Audley, and Barthomley, before returning to the start. The race takes place on open roads (not traffic-free), though the lanes are generally quiet country roads well-managed by marshals. It usually falls about 4–6 weeks before major autumn marathons, making it the perfect “long run” with the added benefit of water stations, marshals, and competitive spirit. It is often used as a “calibration race” to test marathon pace and nutrition strategies. There is typically a 4-hour cut-off time, though marshals are known for being supportive of those close to the limit. Race 15 on the NSRRA fixture list.