TODAY saw runners return to the city's streets as 4,000 athletes competed in the first summer Aldi Chester 10K.

Competing on what is the hottest day of the year so far, runners started the 6.2 mile race at Chester Racecourse before heading out to Mollington and then returning to finish on Northgate Street.

"We are over the moon that we are finally able to move on from all the chaos of 2020 and get back to doing what we love,” said joint race organiser Chris Hulse.

"We know that many people have been eager to take part in mass participation events again and those that attended our race found the Covid measures we put in place, such as phased, socially distanced starts, both welcoming and reassuring and gave it all a big thumbs up."

Daniel Jarvis of Bedford & County AC produced the fastest time with 30:37 followed by Dougie Musson of Notts AC (30:51) and Samuel Moakes of Sutton in Ashfield Harriers & AC (31:19).

The three fastest women all broke the race record with Sonia Samuels of Sale Harriers clocking 34:45; Sophie Wallis of Lincoln Wellington 35:26 and Sophie Birtles (U/A) 36:16.

"A huge thanks must go out to all our runners and volunteers for doing their part to make sure everyone stayed as safe as possible” said joint race organiser Andy White.

“We can plan for putting all these measures in place but we rely massively on the co-operation of all our runners. Both they and our volunteer team were outstanding on the day."

Chris added: “We would like to thank our title sponsor Aldi, associate sponsors Mitchell Group and High5 for their invaluable support and all those who helped see the return of running to Chester after so long and making the event a huge success.

"We could not host the event without their help and the amazing volunteers, organisations and groups who give the race its unique and friendly character.

"Bring on the Chester Half and Full/Metric marathons for those aiming for the Chester Triple!"

Active Leisure Events expect their three races this year to raise £2.5m overall for Chester based local and national causes to help plug the fundraising gap left behind by the pandemic.

Jon Wilson, regional managing director for Aldi, said: “We are proud to have sponsored the Aldi Chester 10K event for the third year and are delighted that the race was able to go ahead.

"A huge thank you to everyone involved in making it happen safely!

“The money raised from Sunday’s race will further help Aldi achieve our target of donating £10m to Teenage Cancer Trust, to help them reach their goal of ensuring no young person has to face cancer alone."

  • For more information on the Essar Chester 2021 Half Marathon and its sister event the MBNA Chester Marathon/Metric Marathon visit www.activeleisureevents.co.uk .