ENTRIES are now open for the 2020 Wilmslow Running Festival.

The event, rebranded for 2019 and proving to be a hit with runners of all levels, will take place on March 15.

Headline act will once again be the iconic Waters Wilmslow Half Marathon.

This ever popular and prestigious race has regularly been voted one of the top road races in the UK by readers of “Runner’s World” magazine and now enters its 36th year.

Following the introduction in 2019, the festival will again feature The Stowe Family Law 10k and Running Bear Fun Run.

And also playing a part in bringing the whole community together, The Porsche Corporate Challenge is also back!

Nick Bishop, on behalf of the organising committee, said: “We introduced keener pricing last year to make the event more accessible to more people.

"We’re working hard to make the occasion even better value for money and yet still be able to make substantial contributions from the proceeds to support local sporting groups.”

While the majority of the runners are local to the area, the cream of England’s elite distance runners have also raced over the leafy lanes of Wilmslow and Mobberley when the event has regularly staged “The England Half Marathon Championships”.

"We are delighted to welcome back our regular runners and equally excited to welcome everyone new to the race," added Bishop.

"The newer 10k distance is a great way to step up for the parkrun community.

"Pacers for a variety of time bands will be running. Something for everyone!"

Breaking with tradition, the event is teaming up with two charities in 2020.

The Christie Charitable Fund is one of them, being committed to revolutionising the fight against cancer by funding world reaching research, treatment and care, education and additional support services.

Supportability (formerly Stockport CP) is the other worthy cause to benefit in 2020.

Making life better for people with disabilities and enabling them to live as fulfilled and independent life as possible is their mission.

Visit their websites at christies.org/wilmslowhalf and supportability.org.uk.

"The Wilmslow Running Festival is itself a charity and working each year with our charity partners has raised well in excess of one million pounds," added Bishop.

For more information and to keep up to date leading up to next year's event follow the race website https://wilmslowrunningfestival.org.uk/