Important Information Regarding the 2026 Wilson Run
The Wilson Run, Tuesday 24th March 2026 – Race will start at 2:30pm.
The Wilson Run is one of the highlights of the School calendar and we are looking forward to welcoming many of you back to Sedbergh for the event. The purpose of providing this information is to seek your support for the management of the event and to minimise the disruption it may cause to other members of our community. The Run’s future depends on us maintaining good local relationships.
Introduction
The Wilson Run has been raced almost every year since 1881 and is one of the oldest school races in the country and perhaps the hardest. The course records are held by Fraser Sproul (1:07:05) set in 2022 and Mel Hyder (1:24:07) set in 2010.
Walking or Running the Course
Many parents and Old Sedberghians walk or run the route on the morning of race day. It is important to stress that this is only through the goodwill of landowners who may be moving livestock off the route in the morning. Please follow any directions they may issue. Informal groups of runners should start outside Lupton between 8.00-10.00am and elite runners at 10.30am. Maps and refreshment will be available in Queens Hall from 8.00am.
Walkers and runners must be self-sufficient and are responsible for their own safety; the School/OS Club accept no responsibility for walkers or runners.
Hospitality
There will be a 2 buffet lunches in Queen’s Hall at 12.00pm and 1.15pm for Old Sedberghians – book tickets HERE. Queen’s Hall will also be open for tea and coffee from 2.00pm-5.00pm.
Race Day Support
Please do not drive between the Start, Cautley, Danny Bridge and the Finish whilst the race is taking place. This leads to cars passing tired runners and represents a risk to pupils. Instead, please join us on Lupton Field to better follow the race.
Please do not allow dogs off the lead anywhere. Ewes are in lamb and must not be disturbed and we do not wish interference with the runners.
Parking
Parking will be in house yards.
It is essential that spectators do not block roads, tracks or gates. We live in a farming community which must continue its work despite our event. In particular, please do not park on Ten Mile Lane, Foxhole Lane or Dowbiggin Lane. These lead to working farms and are emergency access routes to the fellside if we need to help an injured runner.
Please do not drop litter or climb fences or walls and ensure that all gates are closed behind you whether you find them open or shut.
In Queens Hall, spectators can watch a livestream from key locations around the course as well as a timings screen for the runners. Additionally, all of the runners will be wearing a GPS tracker so friends & family will be able to follow the race ‘live’ on an interactive map here.
Additional Information
At 7:30pm, the Wilson Run Concert will take place in the Hirst Centre. This is a ticketed event for runner’s parents and invited guests only.
We hope that you will understand the reason for this lengthy list of instructions. The Wilson Run is a marvellous event which we want to protect and ensure that it runs smoothly so that we see good competition and can enjoy the day.
