THE Chester Marathon has been named as a top running event for the third year running.

The MBNA Chester Marathon was voted as best marathon at the National Running Awards. Additionally, the Essar Chester Half Marathon moved a step up the podium from last year, with a silver medal for best half marathon. Both races were competing in the events with up to 5,000 participating.

As a bonus, the Aldi Chester 10K was voted the best 10K race in the North West.

Joint Race Organiser Chris Hulse said: “After a very difficult year it’s so special to see so many runners turn out in force to vote for these awards and want to see us return in 2021.

"We put on our events for everyone, whether they be first-time runners, elite, charity runners, casual or experienced veterans. We go the extra mile to help them to achieve something they didn’t think was possible.

"A huge thank you has to go to our lead sponsors MBNA, Essar and Aldi, all those that voted for us, our associate sponsors, event delivery partners, our amazing volunteer team who give up their spare time and everyone else who has contributed to this event. Without them this simply wouldn’t have been possible."

Chris and his team are working hard behind the scenes to prepare for the Aldi Chester 10K, currently scheduled for Sunday, July 18; the Essar Chester Half Marathon on Sunday, September 19 and the MBNA Chester Marathon on Sunday, October 3.

He added: “We know that our hard work has produced a series of events people love and want to be a part of.

"The Covid-19 pandemic poses some challenges for us this year but we have the right team behind us and working with the local council, stakeholders and following the current guidelines, we are confident we will be able to put on safe events this year.

“We’re looking forward to seeing our regular runners return and supporting all those that took up running during lockdown.”

For more information on the 2021 events, visit https://www.activeleisureevents.co.uk/