By a community running club. For the running community.

The 4VHM is back for 2025! We’re proud to be one of the main feature races for those training for the London and Manchester Marathons.

Please note there is a strict 3 hour cut off. This is due to road closure timings and the safety of runners/volunteers during a winter race. If you are at the 10 mile marker/clock after 2 Hours 20 Minutes from the official race start, you will be politely asked to stop and transported to Race HQ.

CAR PARK 1 – The main FREE car park is provided from our partners at EET/ESSAR. PLEASE NOTE THIS IS DIFFERENT PARKING AREA THAN PREVIOUS YEARS.

Runners parking is located at Stanlow Gate 4/EET-ESSAR Administration Building Car Park (For Google Maps search STANLOW GATE 4 – W3W://////Last.expert.text)

Please follow W3W or instructions here: At junction 14 M56, from the roundabout head towards Stanlow on the A5117 dual carriageway, turn right at second set of traffic lights (which is a crossroads) into Pool Lane, carry on towards the roundabout and take the left into the Stanlow Manufacturing Complex Controlled area, about 500m along this road is STANLOW GATE 4/Administration Building Car Park.

There will be coaches to transport you to the start/Race HQ and back to the car park after the race. FIRST COACH WILL START AT 8:30am – LAST COACH WILL LEAVE PARKING AREA AT 10am (30 mins before race!)

Please note: The change of location is due to a site shut down at Stanlow and unfortunately means that this year there will be no hot drinks available in the EET/ESSAR car park area and that toilet facilities at the car park will be limited with a couple of temporary facilities by the Administration Building. However, don’t worry we have full facilities available once you arrive at Race HQ/Start area.

Map download link click here (Image left)

CAR PARK 2 – Helsby High School

If travelling from the immediate local area, there is VERY LIMITED parking at Helsby High School (WA6 0HY). PLEASE NOTE THE HIGH SCHOOL WILL BE FULL BEFORE 9AM.

There will be coaches to transport you to the start and back to the high school after the race.

There will be a team of parking marshals on the streets who will be able to direct you if you are unsure where to park. 

Help us make this the greenest half marathon around! We love running and racing and meeting up with like-minded folk but also recognise we’re contributing in our own small way to congestion and emissions, therefore please, where possible, consider car sharing.

Race route map 

There’s an updated race route map, including the new variations to the course from 2022 (new start, mile 1, 8, 10). If you know the older course and want to recce the change, the biggest change is Well Lane around mile 8. UKA race certified and licensed. Adjusted and remeasured in 2022.

Water stations are at miles 5, 8, 10, and the finish (please note there are no gels).

Strava link to course here

Road closure information here

Pre-order to secure your technical race running tops

This year we’re running a competition with local primary schools to design the artwork for our infamous technical T-shirts – all while engaging the next generation of runners! T-shirts are collected on race day from Race HQ. If you haven’t pre-ordered, we’ll have limited stock for sale on race day.

For The Community – Charity Donations

As well as giving you a great race, we also support a number of local charities from the money raised and make donations to the groups that help us out.

Last year we donated over £13,000 to over a dozen good causes throughout the local area including Halton Haven Hospice and the Hospice of the Good Shepherd.

A Special Thank You

Huge thanks to our regular headline sponsor of EET (Essar Energy Transition). We’re also grateful to Mick Hall Photos, and Addhire for their most excellent van loan. Without their help this race either wouldn’t happen or would cost you a lot more!

People that make this happen:
Voluntary Groups: Helsby & Frodsham Rotary, Elton Guides, Helsby Scouts, Ashton Scouts, Beacon Explorer Scouts, Dewa Explorer Scouts, Mersey Weaver Scouts, Alvanley Cricket Club, Helsby Cycling Club, Manley pre-school, Helsby Tennis club, Marie Curie Fundraising Group, Helsby WI, Halton Haven Hospice, Camp Project Wales.

Suppliers: Nifty Events, Blue Arrow, Timewise, Spark Medical, Acton Marquees Ltd, Cestrian Loos, Runner Print, Mick Hall Photography.

Supporters: EET, Helsby Community Sports Club, Horn’s Mill School & Pre school, Helsby High School, Addhire, Beesley & Fildes, Horn’s Mill Pub, Brio, Active Leisure – Chester Marathon, Big Bobble Hat. Many thanks to the residents along the entire course for their patience and support.

If we’ve forgotten anyone – thank you!