Thousands turn up to take on Aldi Chester 10k race as winner sets new course record

Around 4,500 people took part in the 6.2 mile long race which began at Chester Racecourse before heading out to Mollington.

Runners returned to the city centre via Northgate Street where they received a warm welcome back from the supportive crowds who turned up to see people cross the line on Eastgate Street.

The race was won by Daniel Jarvis of Bedford & County AC - establishing the course record in a time of 29.45.

He was followed by Kadar Omar of Birchfield Harriers (30:15) and Ian Crowe-Wright (30:29) to complete the top three.

The first woman to cross the line was Gemma Steel of Charnwood AC who finished with a time of 36:22.

Tessa McCormick of Vale Royal AC crossed the line soon after with a time of 36:44, before Joanna Marsden of Ellesmere Port RC became the third woman to finish (37:07).

Following the event, joint race organiser, Chris Hulse, said: “From the feedback we have received, the runners have given a big thumbs up to the changes we have made to the start which we used last year for our marathon and to the finish with its stunning Eastgate Clock backdrop.

“The runners also appreciated the enthusiastic support of the local communities, especially those of Mollington and the Garden Quarter to which massive thanks are due.

“We are glad that lots of people made the effort to turn out to support the runners, and we would like to thank our title sponsor Aldi, associate sponsors Mitchell Group, Chester Road Runners for their support and all those who helped make the event a huge success.

“We could not host the event without their help and the amazing volunteers, organisations and groups who give the race its unique and friendly character.”

Active Leisure Events expect their three races this year to raise £1 million overall for Chester based local and national causes.

Jon Wilson, Regional Managing Director for Aldi, said: “We are delighted to sponsor the Aldi Chester 10K event for the second year.

“Congratulations to everyone who took part in the challenge on Sunday and thank you to all of the runners, volunteers, supporters and race organisers for helping to make the event such a huge success!

“The money raised from Sunday’s race will help to support the Teenage Cancer Trust and help Aldi achieve our target of £5 million over five years.

“By taking part in the Aldi Chester 10K, all the runners have helped the Teenage Cancer Trust in getting closer to its goal of ensuring that no young person has to brave cancer alone.

“We are incredibly proud to sponsor this event and look forward to next year”

For more information on the Essar Chester 2020 Half Marathon and its sister event the MBNA Chester Marathon visit www.activeleisureevents.co.uk.