THE Waters Wilmslow Half Marathon is to become a Festival of Running.

With a race date of March 24 at 10.30am, it’s all change.

The event was first staged in 1984 and every year after, with one exception in 2001 when an outbreak of foot and mouth disease caused its cancellation.

The only other change was last year, when the race was postponed from its original date when the country was hit by an Arctic blast of cold weather, ice and snow, and was rearranged for June.

The race is highly regarded within the running community, was voted in the top 10 Road Races by readers of Runners World, has staged the England Half Marathon Championships on a number of occasions, and has helped to raise well over £1 million for charitable causes.

This race is organised by volunteers and has charitable status.

Nick Bishop said: “Recognising the changing requirements of runners the race has now evolved in 2019 into a Festival of Running. This has been done to offer more choice and to create a greater community feel.

“Runners will now have a choice between The Waters Wilmslow Half Marathon or The Stowe Family Law 10k, and for the younger runners (and mums and dads), The Fun Run sponsored by Running Bear.

“The Half Marathon also includes the Porsche Corporate Challenge and The Total Fitness Gym Challenge.”

Details can be found on wilmslowhalfmarahon.org.uk, with Fun Run details to follow very soon. This year’s charity is the North West Air Ambulance.