ALMOST 6,000 runners took part in the Essar Chester Half Marathon today (May 19). 

Sunday saw hot running conditions as nearly 6,000 runners and an army of spectators took to the streets of Chester and countryside for the Essar Chester 2024 Half Marathon.

The event, now in its 42nd year, was hailed as an outstanding success and it is estimated that a record amount will have been raised for charity.

One of the central aims of the Essar Chester Half Marathon is to support charities and local communities. It is expected that the runners will raise in excess of £700,000 for charitable causes, with West Cheshire Foodbank being the official race charity for 2024.

Marshall Smith of Ashford AC was this year’s winner in a time of 1:07:52 followed by Chris Perry of Vale Royal AC (1:08:02) and Jack Bromley of Buckley RC (1:10:10).

The first woman to cross the line was Abigail Howarth of Vale Royal AC who finished in a time of 1:19:17 followed by Abbey van Dijk of Run4U (1:19:46) and Sandra Hunter of Ackworth RR (1:20:19).

The runners in the main race were joined by a record number of 800 enthusiastic children aspiring to enter the big leagues, who charged round Chester Racecourse in the 1 mile Fun Run.

Race Director Callum Shields, of Active Leisure Events, said: “From start to finish this has been a race to remember. We are absolutely delighted with the number of athletes, volunteers and supporters and of course our sponsors who have all played their part in making it such a remarkable day.

“From what runners have already told us it is clear that a massive thank you is due to the local communities, especially those of Mollington, Saughall and the Garden Quarter for their vocal and enthusiastic support!

“We would like to give thanks to our title sponsor Essar and associate sponsors, Mitchell Group, Innospec, High 5, AWOL, Brecon Carreg, Go Fund Me and Farralls.

"We could not host the event without the amazing volunteers, organisations and groups, who give the race its unique and friendly character. All these people have helped us to deliver a memorable and inspirational event for Chester.”

Deepak Maheshwari, Chief Executive Officer of EET Fuels, our Essar sponsor, said: “This year, we’re celebrating 100 years’ keeping Britain moving so we’re delighted with the record number of entries and turnout for this year’s race. We would like to thank Active Leisure and all of the runners, volunteers and supporters for making this such an epic event.”

If you have been inspired by all the action and sensational achievements of the 2024 Essar Chester Half Marathon, entries for the 2025 are now open www.activeleisureevents.co.uk/half -marathon.

For more information about the MBNA Chester Marathon/Metric Marathon being held on Sunday 6 October visit www.activeleisureevents.co.uk.