Sunday saw Chester welcome runners back to its city streets and surrounding area as 4,000 athletes competed in the first summer Aldi Chester 10K during the hottest day of the year so far. The 6.2 mile race started at Chester Racecourse then headed out to Mollington and returned to the City Centre to finish in 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 racea 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,” applauded 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.”

For more information on the Essar Chester 2021 Half Marathon and its sister event the MBNA Chester Marathon/Metric Marathon visit the event website

Image: Active Leisure Events