Future of athletics track secured with £164k

An athletics track at a Shropshire school is to be saved thanks to a £164,000 investment, after it has been unable to host professional competitions for almost two years.

The six-lane track at William Brookes School was primarily used for track and field competitions.

The 3-18 Education Trust, which oversees the school and announced the funds, said the track had lost its UK Athletics accreditation in 2024 due to the deteriorating condition of the surface - this meant it could not host the local Wenlock Olympian Games, which were cancelled in 2025.

Work to resurface the track will begin in May or June, making it available for students and clubs later in the year.

"We're thrilled that our students will continue to benefit from the running track for years to come," said Ruth Shaw, the school's head teacher.

"Saving this track has been a priority for us, and we're incredibly proud that our efforts mean our young people can keep training, competing, and enjoying this fantastic facility."

Wenlock Olympian Society, which is behind the Wenlock Olympian Games, worked with the 3-18 Education Trust and William Brookes School to secure the future of the track.

"With UK Athletics TrackMark certification, we hope to see athletics return to the 2026 Wenlock Olympian Games, and Wenlock Olympians Athletics Club back to training on a top-class track," said Helen Clare Cromarty, chair of the society.

"We will continue fundraising for new discus facilities and to support the next phase of the project."

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