Another Night to Remember at the 2026 Wilson Run Dinner

There was a sense of excitement in the air as the Sedbergh community gathered for this year’s Wilson Run Dinner on Monday 23^rd March. As guests arrived in Powell Hall, the room was abuzz with anticipation for Sedbergh School’s legendary ten-mile fell race scheduled for the following day.

A large number of younger Old Sedberghians returned for the occasion, bringing youthful energy as they caught up with friends and exchanged anecdotes on past runs. There was also a strong presence of parents offering their support.

The dinner brought together a number of former Wilson Run winners, including three record holders: Charles Sykes (SH 1990–94), Johnny Campbell (SH 2012–16) and Fraser Sproul (S 2017–22). Their attendance underlined the significance of the race, both in School life and in the lives of Old Sedberghians.

Duncan Berry (SH 85–91), Chairman of the OS Club, brought grace and good humour to his role as master of ceremonies at the dinner, and the Headmaster, Dan Harrison, gave an address emphasising the importance of the Sedbergh School community and providing an update on the School. It was also a pleasure to have the new President of the OS Club, The Rt Hon Sir Richard McCombe (P 66-70), saying grace before the dinner.

Among the guests was Jack Buckner, CEO of UK Athletics, who gave a speech sharing insights into his career and touching on the Wilson Run’s standing beyond the School and its role in developing young athletes.

As a grand finale to the dinner, Sedbergh welcomed back OS Tristram Cooke (S 2008–09), an internationally acclaimed countertenor and celebrated baroque specialist. Tristram captivated the audience with two powerful songs: Butterworth’s “Loveliest of Trees“ and Vaughan Williams’ “Linden Lea“.

The race itself, traditionally known as “The Ten,” was postponed until Thursday 26^th March due to terrible weather, but the dinner celebrated and reinforced the run’s significance within the School community.