Runners take on the Wenlock mile in historic Shropshire Olympian town
The Wenlock Mile was introduced by the Wenlock Olympian Society (WOS) in 2025.
Dozens of runners took to their marks at the weekend for a one-mile race event introduced in an historic Shropshire town famed for its connections with the modern Olympics.
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The Wenlock Mile in Much Wenlock was introduced by the Wenlock Olympian Society (WOS) in 2025 as an extra event to encourage people to improve their health through exercise.
The society hosts the Wenlock Olympian Games each year, which inspired the modern Olympic movement more than a century ago.
The Wenlock Mile course on Gaskell Field is officially recognised as an official athletic event so Saturday’s event saw runners from across Shropshire and beyond take part.
The fastest time set on the day was by under 16 runner, Rhys Young of the Birchfield Harriers, who completed the mile in 4 minutes 52 seconds – setting a new course record.
The fastest female runner was under 16 girl runner, Taylor Riches also of Birchfield Harriers, who ran it in 5 minutes 21 seconds.
A spokesperson for the Wenlock Olympian Society said: “A good field was attracted to the event with a strong contingent from Birchfield Harriers. – two of whom (girl and boy) set course records.
“Wenlock Olympian Society medals were presented by WOS Trustee Stu Benson, MBE and Olympic bronze medallist.”
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