The Wenlock Olympian Society has announced the return of athletics to the historic Wenlock Olympian Games this summer, following the completion of a brand-new track at William Brookes School in Much Wenlock.
The Wenlock Olympian Society has announced the return of athletics to the historic Wenlock Olympian Games this summer, following the completion of a brand-new track at William Brookes School in Much Wenlock.
Athletics will take place at the school on Sunday 12th July 2026, marking a welcome return after the event was unable to be held in 2025 due to the previous track losing its TrackMark certification.
The 3-18 Education Trust announced a £164,000 investment to resurface the school’s athletics track at William Brookes School in February.
David O’Toole, CEO at The 3-18 Education Trust, said: “It is absolutely fantastic that William Brookes School can continue to invest in its outstanding sports and leisure facilities with the renewal of the athletics track. This state-of-the-art facility will create invaluable opportunities for our students and the wider community partners, enabling them to pursue sporting excellence and achieve their future ambitions. We are delighted to support the school in providing resources that inspire and empower the next generation of athletes.”
This investment directly supports the school’s commitment to its ‘healthy body, healthy mind’ vision, ensuring students have access to high‑quality sports facilities that promote both physical wellbeing and personal development.
Helen Clare Cromarty, Chair of Wenlock Olympian Society (WOS), said:
“On behalf of Wenlock Olympian Society’s Trustees and membership, I’d like to thank The 3-18 Education Trust for their generous funding, and the planning that they put into the renovation of the running track to achieve the high standard of TrackMark certification.
“We’re thrilled that it’s been completed in time for Wenlock Olympian Games’ day of athletics on Sunday 12th July – an amazing achievement. The Trust’s contribution and commitment to maintaining part of Olympic history leaves me lost for words to express our gratitude.
“The track’s surface is a startling blue with white lines – the colours of William Brookes School and of Wenlock Olympians Athletics Club (which became a part of WOS last year). It’s a joy to run on and we’re looking forward to seeing the difference it will make to the competitors’ performances.”
Growing the reach and reputation of the Wenlock Olympian Games
The Wenlock Olympian Society expects to welcome both junior and senior competitors from across the region and beyond. Adding an international dimension to this year’s event, around 30 young athletes from the Almaty International School in Dubai are set to take part, underlining the growing reach and reputation of the Wenlock Olympian Games.
The Games will also feature a newly updated 10-kilometre road race, reflecting the interests of modern runners. Alongside the athletics programme, the popular road race has been reimagined as a 10k event, replacing its traditional seven-mile format. The updated race is designed to align with current running trends and broaden its appeal. The multi-terrain course will start and finish at the Gaskell Field, taking runners along a scenic route across roads and tracks in the surrounding Shropshire countryside.
Details of both events can be found on the Wenlock Olympian Society website:
https://wenlock-olympian-society.org.uk/wenlock-olympian-society-sports/
About William Brookes School
William Brookes is an exciting and vibrant secondary school nestled in the heart of the idyllic Shropshire countryside. The school serves a range of communities from the immediate market town of Much Wenlock and surrounding rural areas, to the large town of Telford. William Brookes has a uniquely rich heritage and is the only Coubertin School in the United Kingdom.
As the birthplace of the modern Olympic Games, Much Wenlock has a proud sporting heritage – one this partnership aims to build on for years to come.
Notes for editors
The 3‑18 Education Trust is a Shropshire‑based Multi‑Academy Trust providing a high quality, aspirational education from early years through to post‑16.
Our Trust comprises of eleven schools bringing together a vibrant and diverse community of 5,600 students, 840 teaching and support staff and 110 governors.
For press enquiries, contact media@318education.co.uk.
