THOUSANDS of runners turned out for the annual MBNA Chester Marathon yesterday (Sunday, October 6).

The event, which has become increasingly popular since it was first held in 2010, was expected to see 7,000 runners take part this year.

Above, you can browse a selection of photos from the marathon, courtesy of Simon Warburton.

The race started at 9am, with runners heading into the city centre passing the Town Hall, Cathedral, Eastgate Clock, Amphitheatre and through the Walls before exiting the city across the Old Dee Bridge.

This was followed by 26.2km MBNA Metric Marathon, which started at 10.10am on a course leaving Chester via Boughton and Huntington, going beyond Aldford before returning largely the same way.

The MBNA Mini Marathon, a 1km run within the racecourse, also took place from 10.20am.

Joint race organiser Chris Hulse, of Chester-based Active Leisure Events Ltd, said: “We’ve come a long way from the inaugural race in 2010 when 764 people crossed the finish line at Chester Rugby Football Club.

“The event has grown steadily since then but, as with all such activities, took a hit during COVID.

"We are delighted to see that entries once again set a new record after surpassing’s last year’s record numbers for our event."