Chester was alive with running fever on Sunday (5 October) as more than 10,000 runners and 50,000 spectators turned out for the record-breaking MBNA Chester Marathon and Metric Marathon. The sell-out event once again proved why it is ranked among the UK’s best races, combining historic city sights with scenic countryside and an electric atmosphere.

The marathon route took participants past Chester’s most iconic landmarks, including the city walls and the famous Eastgate Clock, before heading out through the rolling Cheshire countryside and into North Wales. Known for its fast and friendly course, the race is popular with runners chasing personal bests as well as those soaking up the unique atmosphere. Dame Denise Lewis DBE, Olympic champion and heptathlete, officially started this year's proceedings from Chester Racecourse.

Joshua Griffiths of Swansea Harriers claimed victory in the men’s marathon, crossing the line in 2:17:16, followed closely by Alex Carter of Team Bath AC in 2:17:22 and Conor Sarsfield of Helsby RC in 2:17:37. The women’s race was won by Sammy Antell of Bideford AAC in 2:44:22, with Exmouth Harriers’ Atsede Gidey and the 100 Marathon Club’s Melissah Gibson finishing second and third in 2:44:22 and 2:44:59 respectively.

In the Metric Marathon, Michael Young of WCAC took the men’s title in 1:30:15, followed by Sam Stratford of HI Runners in 1:33:31 and Daniel Sutton in 1:33:43. Sarah Brown of Run Through North triumphed in the women’s race in 1:46:28, with Keely Smith of WCAC second in 1:47:00 and Nicola Cartwright third in 1:51:58.

Many runners were also completing the Chester Triple Medal challenge, which requires finishing the MBNA Chester 10K, the Essar Chester Half Marathon and either the full or metric marathon. For others, the event was about personal milestones, fundraising and most importantly - having fun!

Among those celebrating was 52-year-old Karen Barclay, who ran her first ever marathon. Sharing her experience online, she said: “Perfect course and the marshals were incredible, especially the lady at mile 13 who spurred me on to finish. Thank you, it was an incredible and emotional experience – and of course I’ll be back next year.”

If you'd like to know more, visit the Chester Marathon website.

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