FRESH from setting a hot pace in the Chester Half Marathon, runners are ready to take the start line in the MBNA Chester Marathon this Sunday.
Thousands of runners are expected to take part in the two road races on Sunday morning – the full 26.2-mile event, plus the 26.2km Metric Marathon.
Due to the road closures that will be in place throughout the day, motorists are urged to make use of a diversion route around the A483 between Gresford and Chester, the A534 between Gresford and Broxton, and the A41 between Broxton and Chester.
Here are the road closures that will be in place for the event:
The MBNA Chester Marathon takes place this Sunday.
Spectators are urged to show their support to the runners as they power their way through the course.
Joint event organiser Chris Hulse said: “Spectating this kind of event is a great way to spend a Sunday morning.
“We are inviting people to experience all the drama and excitement without actually having to run themselves!"
Chris added: “The pandemic forced us to move the half marathon to just a fortnight before the MBNA Chester Marathon. As it happens, it provided an ideal sharpener race for the runners in preparation for Sunday’s full marathon.
“Whilst it was brave to host two of our events in as many weeks, we felt it was the right thing to do and the feedback we have already received from runners bears this out.”
From the event’s traditional base at Chester Racecourse, starting at 9am, the runners are greeted and the race set off by the Town Crier. Runners head into the city centre passing the Town Hall, Cathedral, under the Eastgate Clock, past the Amphitheatre and through the Walls before heading out of the city across the Old Dee Bridge.
The marathon route offers vantage points for spectators in the city, especially from the City Walls as runners pass under four city gates early in the event.
Runners then leave Chester, through Handbridge and Eccleston, past the Duke of Westminster's estate, through Pulford, before crossing the border into Wales and through the villages of Lavister and Holt. Crossing the river at Farndon, the return to England signals the beginning of the home stretch through Churton, Aldford and Huntington.
Like in 2019, the course has been tweaked slightly to provide a different finishing point.
Chris explained: “Due to the drainage road works, the 2021 race finishes in style in the Grosvenor Park.
“Whilst the elite runners finish the 26.2 mile race in under two and a half hours, the majority of the runners will take up to four hours and more, providing plenty of opportunity for spectating and giving the competitors some much-needed encouragement and support.”
The event also includes a Metric Marathon starting at 10.15am with runners tackling a 26.2 kilometre course.
The one-mile Family MBNA Chester Mini Marathon starts at 10.30am and is run within the Racecourse. Adults and children are invited to enter and run the Family Mini Marathon.
Mini marathon runners are given a commemorative technical running shirt to run in plus a full size medal and treat bag at the finish. To enter the mini marathon, visit www.activeleisureevents.co.uk/marathon/mini-marathon
Chris added: “The runners really appreciate the support they get from Chester’s great crowds, whether out on the route or at the Racecourse, and we hope many Cestrians will make a day of it!”
For further information about the marathon, metric marathon and mini marathon being held on Sunday, visit www.activeleisureevents.co.uk.
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