Reaching new heights in the 45th Wrekin Fell Race, 29th March 2026

An unforgettable 45th Wrekin Fell Race organised by Telford AC was held on Sunday 29th March in cool and windy conditions.

Scorching times in the Women's Top Three:

Sara Willhoit was crowned the Shropshire AA Champion, winning the women's race for the 2nd time having previously won in 2018. Her winning time today of 44.40 is a 2 minute improvement on her best and moves her up to 13th fastest ever on this course. Mel Price, the 2016 winner, also celebrated having had a record 9 placings in the top 3 in this race, as the runner up and the Shropshire silver medallist. Eleanor Fowler completed the top 3 and was presented with the Shropshire bronze medal. All 3 are Mercia Runners.

Blazing Performance in the Men's:

Harry Holmes from Matlock AC in Derbyshire, followed up his impressive win in the Cardington Cracker Race in December with a 90 second winning margin. Dom Jones, The Mercia Chairman, was crowned the Shropshire AA Champion for coming first out of Shropshire finishers and had his best ever position in this race finishing 2nd in 41.24, just 7 seconds slower than his 3rd place in 2014. Thomas Hancock was 3rd in the race and the Shropshire silver medallist whilst James Stuart, 4th overall and the first over 50, was the Shropshire bronze medallist.

Records

All prizes were presented by the Shropshire Athletic Association Secretary Mrs Margaret Afford. We had 3 course age records as Gill Evans took the record for the Over 65s in 63.58, Ed Davies took the over 70s record in 58.14 whilst John Langton took the over 65s record with 52.28. Very impressive when you consider this is the 45th running of the race and 3 age records are broken in the same year.

Age Group Winners

Other age group winners were W45 Laura Gale, W50 Alex Snow, W55 Steph Curtis, W60 Linda Jones, MU20 Adam Bentham, MU23 Ben Hartshorne, M40 Daniel Swain, M45 Paul Cooke, M55 John Ayteo and M60 Eric Fowler. We only had 4 juniors in the Ercall Hill Race, hopefully we will get a few more next year. Brendon Millman was the first Telford AC man to finish in 16th 50.04 with Greg Perkins in 70th place and 3rd over 70 in 77.20.

Thanks to Organisers and Officials

Many thanks to all runners, marshals, finish officials, first aid, registration and refreshments. Special mention to the Preece Family who had 4 members helping, Alison, Tony, Maggie and Heidi. Margaret and Pete Afford, Kate Bentham, Helen Stokes, Malcolm Dawes, John Murray and Rob Moses, Dave Jackson, Dave Hopkins, Margaret and John Reade, Stuart Thompson, Sue and Brian Mills and Lauren Millman.