One of the North's most historic cities will see the return of its marathon event this October. After a succssful staging in 2021, the Chester Marathon will be back with business as usual on 2 October.

This scenic marathon is also multi-award winning - a three time winner of the UK's Best Marathon up to 5,000 Runners (2018, 2019, 2020). It is also an history buff's dream with runners passing plenty of historic Roman/Medieval points of interest in and around Chester.

The route features many Chester landmarks including the Cathedral, Roman Walls, the Rows and Eastgate Clock before heading into the stunning countryside around North Wales and Chester. Enthusiastic crowds line the route and there will be live bands and entertainment to motivate everyone to the finish.

Race organisers say: "As runners ourselves, we are passionate about delivering what for us, would be the perfect race; a premier quality, competitively priced race which caters for the needs of runners of all abilities and speeds, combined with friendliness and personal touches which are unique to us."

Race day will also include the 26.2K MBNA Chester Metric Marathon and the MBNA Chester Mini-Marathon, so plenty of options for runners of all ages and abilities.

Last year's winning times were first male Michael Young of West Cheshire AC in 2:27:32 and first female Melissah Gibson of Ealing Eagles RC in 2:48:44. The course records still stand from 2014 for the guys when Marius Ionescu won in a time of 2:21:25 and 2013 for the ladies when Julie Briscoe won in 2:40:26. If you fancy your chances beating these times, or perhaps just setting your own PB then you can find out more at the Active Leisure Events website.

Image: Active Leisure Events