Mid Cheshire 5k race review: should you enter the next one?

I recently raced my first Mid Cheshire 5k. Here’s what my experience was and everything you need to know about this event if you’re thinking of entering the next edition.

About the Mid Cheshire 5k race

The Mid Cheshire 5k is organised by Run Cheshire and takes place in Kingsley, in the Cheshire countryside. There are 2 yearly editions of this race, the first at the end of April and the second at the end of August. It’s always on a Friday night.

The event is known to attract very fast runners, and the quality of the field contributes to making it a very fast race.

All runners started at the same time when I took part in the Spring 2024 event, but it appears that there are sometimes 2 waves.

Can everyone enter the Mid Cheshire 5k?

Yes, there is no entry standard. As long as you’re over 13 years old, you can take part in this race.

How much does the entry cost?

The entry fee is £20 or £18 for UKA members.

How to pick up your race number?

The race website indicates that race numbers are being posted, but they actually had to be collected at the event when I took part, so I can only assume that it varies from an event to another.

How fast is the Mid Cheshire 5k?

Although not pan flat, this course is relatively fast. The current men and women’s records of 13:45 and 15:11 confirm that you can run fast there, and many runners set a new 5k PB at this race.

What is the course like?

It’s a loop on country lanes, starting and finishing on Ball Lane. There’s a total of 4 turns, but none of them are too tights. You can check the course map on my Strava.

What is the elevation like?

There is a total of 19m of elevation. The first and final km are downhill. The others are slightly undulating, with the 3rd one being the most challenging. It’s basically a slow and steady incline. It may only be 9m of elevation, but you definitely notice it.

Can you set a new 5k PB at the Mid Cheshire 5k?

You can run a PB at this course if you pace it well, not getting carried away in the first downhill km and not losing speed on the undulating sections.

Personally, I finished in 19:01 (chip time) which was 5 seconds slower than my PB at the time.

Ultimately I think the field, more than the course, makes it a fast race and all the fast runners in the front packs are caught in this momentum, which the slower runners don’t necessarily benefit from.

So is it possible to PB at this course? Yes. Is it easier than on a flat course like Battersea Park? No.

My honest review of the Mid Cheshire 5k

The positives:

It was well seeded. Each runner was told where to be at the start, and I definitely felt like I was in the right group. Not only did it prevent slower runners from getting in the way of the faster ones, but it also helped everyone stay in a pack for as long as possible.
Overall it was really well organised and there was great support from the locals standing outside their houses to cheer us on.
It was chip timed for accurate results.

Check out the race vlog:

Things to keep in mind:

There was no bag drop, something to be mindful of if you’re not driving to the race and don’t have any spectator who can keep your belongings.
Only water was given at the finish, make sure to bring your own snacks.

Although I was hoping to run a faster time, I enjoyed the experience and I’ll probably take part again. I’m also interested in entering other Run Cheshire events.