WHILE elite runners battled it out at the sharp end of the Essar Chester Half Marathon race on Sunday, May 21, a challenge of a different kind was happening further down the field.

Since the event began more than 40 years ago, tens of thousands of runners have raced through the streets of Chester and out into the countryside.

And this year, the event was celebrating a special milestone, as the total number of finishers has hit 100,000.

That milestone was reached in Sunday's big 13.1-mile race, and joint race organiser Chris Hulse said: It was a nail biter," as runners’ positions in the race were changing with every passing minute.

He added: “But through the magic of technology we found our athlete!

“We are delighted to announce that Jo Mills is that very special person and in celebration of this Essar as title sponsor of the event are donating £1,000 to the charity of her choice.”

“It’s all a bit overwhelming,” said Jo. “I’m not sure right now what I will do with the £1,000 but will probably split it between two good causes.”

The ever popular multi award-winning event took the runners through the heart of the city in its early stages and then out into picturesque Mollington and Saughall, before finishing in spectacular style in the city centre by Chester Town Hall.

Andrew Heyes of Hallamshire Harriers was this year’s winner in a time of 1:05:52 followed by Scott Overall of Blackheath & Bromley Harriers AC (1:06:28) and Ed Shepherd of Woodford Green AC (1:06:59).

The first woman to cross the line was Tracy Barlow of Thames Valley Harriers who finished in a time of 1:15:19 followed by Abigail Howarth of Vale Royal AC (1:19:40) and Kelly Edwards of Leamington Cycling and Athetics Club (1:20:05).

As the main race was in progress, 700 children and adults also enjoyed a trot around Chester Racecourse in the one-mile Family Fun Run.

Chris added: “The runners are expected to raise a phenomenal £600,000 for charity this year.

“I would like to thank our title sponsor Essar and associate sponsors Brecon Carreg, Mitchell Group, Innospec, Go Fund Me and High 5. We could not host the event without the support of our sponsors and amazing volunteers who make participation in the race such a memorable experience for the runners.”

Deepak Maheshwari, Chief Executive Officer of Essar Oil UK, said: “We’re delighted with the turnout for this year’s event and would like to thank Active Leisure and all of the runners, volunteers and supporters for making this such a memorable occasion. Thank you to the 100,000th finisher too, we look forward to making a donation to their worthy cause.”

Race director Andy White said: “Runners come to Chester and tell us they are blown away by the atmosphere of our event. That is due in no small part to the volunteers and supporters making the race so special.

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“We and the runners also owe a great debt to the local communities, especially those of Mollington, Saughall and the Garden Quarter, for their vocal and enthusiastic support!”

Race organisers, Active Leisure Events, also organise the MBNA Chester Marathon in October and the MBNA Chester 10k in March, not forgetting the 2024 Essar Half Marathon.

Entries for all of these events are open. For information go to www.activeleisureevents.co.uk

See a gallery above of photos from the day, taken by Simon Warburton.