Rawthey Run: A Sedbergh tradition built on endurance and community

An epic celebration of endurance, determination and shared endeavour, the annual Rawthey Run — run entirely on Sedbergh’s own land — is a treasured part of the Sedbergh running calendar. This year’s race will again begin with an exciting parade of runners, led by our Pipe Major, Logan Muir.

The Rawthey Run was founded in 1992 by Peter Knowles, then Housemaster of Sedbergh’s junior boarding house, Cressbrook. Created to provide meaningful competitive opportunities for younger runners aged 11 to 13, the original event followed a different course to the one run today, but from the outset it reflected Sedbergh’s belief that running is about far more than simply crossing a finish line.

Over the years, the event has grown steadily as more schools have joined, drawn by the challenge, the setting and the quality of the competition. What began as a modest junior race has become a major fixture in the schools’ running calendar. This year marks a significant milestone, with 41 schools, 97 teams and around 640 runners taking part — the largest Rawthey Run to date.

Running has long been woven into the fabric of life at Sedbergh School. From daily training sessions to inter-school competition, it is seen as a sport that develops resilience, humility and self-belief, alongside physical fitness. Events such as the Rawthey Run offer pupils the chance to test themselves, support one another, and experience the quiet satisfaction that comes from sustained effort in a demanding environment.

Today, the Rawthey Run continues to be overseen by Sedbergh’s Head of Running, Mr Richard Wells, whose focus remains on participation, progression and performance in equal measure. Under his guidance, the event reflects Sedbergh’s wider approach to sport: competitive yet inclusive, ambitious yet grounded.

The event programme, along with results and photographs following the race, will be made available online. To receive the password to access the event programme and the training video recorded by Dean Macey (two-time Olympian, Commonwealth Games gold medallist, and two-time world medallist), please complete the short form on the page linked below: