Mid Cheshire 5k vs Shrewsbury 5k: which is best?

If you are looking for a fast road 5k in the UK, both the Mid Cheshire 5k and the Shrewsbury 5k organised by Run Cheshire are strong contenders.

I have run both, and while they are similar in some ways, each has its own character. Here’s a comparison across a few key areas to help you decide which might suit you best.

Mid Cheshire 5k vs Shrewsbury 5k course

The Mid Cheshire 5k takes place on quiet country roads. It starts and finishes on a downhill and despite an undulating 3rd km, the profile is ideal for fast times. It’s one of the most consistently fast 5k courses in the UK.

Check out my Mid Cheshire 5k review.

The Shrewsbury 5k takes place on the closed-cycle track at Shrewsbury Sports Village. It’s just over five laps of a smooth, purpose-built circuit. One side is slightly downhill, there is a hairpin turn and a slight incline on the other side of the track, but it’s objectively a fast multi-lap course with extremely smooth surface.

Read my Shrewsbury 5k review.

Atmosphere and Field

The Mid Cheshire 5K regularly attracts large fields and a deep spread of abilities, from sub-14-minute runners to those just getting under 30 minutes. There is good support at the start and finish, and some village residents come out of their houses to cheer the runners as they run past.

Check out this Mid Cheshire 5k race vlog from August 2024:

The Shrewsbury 5K has a smaller field but it is still a well-supported event with a strong presence of club runners. The multi-lap format means that spectators get to see you many times during the race.

In summare, the Mid Cheshire 5k suits runners who enjoy the intensity of a large, fast field. The Shrewsbury 5k is more relaxed, but still offers a good level of competition.

Watch the Shrewsbury 5k race vlog from May 2025:

Organisation

The Mid Cheshire 5k is a well-oiled machine and takes place twice a year. There is usually a Spring edition in May and a Summer one in August. Both take place on a Friday evening. The only consideration is that the rural location can be tricky to access without a car, and logistics may take a little planning.

The Shrewsbury 5k is a newer event (the second edition was in May 2025). As of now, it takes place once a year but it could (and should) become a more recurring event. Parking is available at the Sports Village and everything is easily accessible.

PB Potential

The Mid Cheshire 5k has a strong reputation for personal bests, and for good reason. The course profile, the quality of the field, and the fast surface combine to create excellent conditions for running your best time.

Check out the course map on my Strava activity.

The Shrewsbury 5k also offers great potential for fast times. But with a smaller field, it may feel more like a solo effort at times.

Check out the course map over on Strava.

Final Thoughts

If your main goal is to run the fastest time possible, the Mid Cheshire 5K is hard to beat. It offers an ideal course profile, strong depth in the field and a proven track record for delivering PBs.

If you are looking for a fast, well-organised race with a more relaxed atmosphere and easier logistics, the Shrewsbury 5K is also an excellent choice.

Both races have a lot to offer. If you have the chance, do both!

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