With the continuous downpour over the last week, organisers were forced to make some late alterations to the course. This didn’t seem to have a massive impact on the performances with the event producing some super fast finishes. Tom Charles of Trafford AC crossed the finish line first in 2:29:29, followed by Tristan Windley of Keswick AC (2:29:36) and Neil Renault (2:32:59).

The first lady was Abbey van Dijk in 3:01:51 followed by Johanna Sutcliffe of Halifax Harriers & AC (3:04:59) and Camilla Hermsen of Harpenden Harriers (3:05:11).

Tristan Windley said: “The organisers must have worked wonders to produce a modified course at short notice due to the adverse weather conditions. The new start and finish worked well and the support on the way round was uplifting!”

In the accompanying MBNA Chester Metric Marathon Chris Pownell of Knowsley Harriers completed the 26.2 kilometre route to take the win in 1:30:47 followed by Nicholas Barry of Sale Harriers (1:31:05) and Martin Green of NWRRC (1:33:35). First lady was Es Burford who crossed the line in 1:49:17 followed by Sohie Hunt of UTS RC (1:49:40) and Liz Renandeau of Vale Royal AC (1:51:32).

Event participants are expected to raise a combined total of more than £600,000 for local and national charities including the main race charity Northern Lights.

Joint race organiser, Chris Hulse said: “This year will see us pass £5m raised from our events overall, so thanks are due to everyone involved. From the runners and the spectators to the sponsors and the rest of the organising team, we’re extremely grateful that you’ve helped make the MBNA Chester Marathon such a success.

“We’re incredibly proud that the MBNA Chester Marathon has been voted the best UK marathon with under 5,000 participants for the past two years. We are also one of only eight UK qualifier races for the second edition of the Abbott WMM Wanda Age Group World Championships, a wonderful accolade to add to our roster.”