THE organisers of this year's Aldi Chester 10k are making sure the running race will provide safe footing for competitors, volunteers and residents.

The fourth running of the city's 10k event will take place on Sunday, July 18.

All runners are being asked to take a Covid test the day before the race, and not to attend on race day if they have a positive result and/or are feeling any Covid symptoms.

Test kits can be collected at pharmacies in the city and from the dedicated Covid testing sites set up in Chester. People without symptoms can also get tested at Chester Cathedral.

As a further precaution, runners will be split into four different start time waves, and starters will be further divided into four groups.

Runners must wear masks before and after the race. It is not required for them to run the race while wearing a mask.

Due to the number of different start times, that means the roads used for the 10k route will be closed a little longer than usual.

People will not be allowed to drive on the roads used for the course and residents on the route who need to leave during the closure period should move their car before the road closures begin.

For runners, there will be no parking on site and they are advised to park nearby in the city if travelling in by car. In addition, there is no baggage storage – bring only what you plan to run in or wear additional clothes which you wish to leave at the start and donate to charity.

For residents, Parkgate Road (A540) by Chester will be closed from 7.30am to noon.

The race starts will be on Chester Racecourse. There will be short delays on New Crane Street and Sealand Road between 7.30am and 10.30am.

In the Garden Quarter, the main road closures are: Raymond Street, Canal Street, Walpole Street, Cheyney Road, Garden Lane and Bouverie Street, which will be closed from 7.30am until 12.30pm.

Stadium Way and Saughall Road between Sealand Road and the Deva Link will be closed between 7.15am and 10.30am.

Parkgate Road from Liverpool Road to Deva Link, and the Deva Link, will be closed from 7.30am to noon.

Residents of Bouverie Street north of Garden Lane can exit via West Lorne Street onto Chichester Street. Residents of Raymond Street are advised to park south of the junction with Canal Street, and will be able to exit on Tower Road to New Crane Street, except for the short periods when runners are passing.

For Mollington residents, Parkgate Road (A540) will be closed from 7.15am to 11.45am. Residents can access Chester or the Wirral using Station Lane to get onto the A41. To access Saughall, use either Overwood Lane or Coalpit Lane.

Road closures do not apply to pedestrians. If you are on the run route please take care as there will be race vehicles on the route.

Sadly, no spectators will be permitted for the event, and runners should turn up to the event by themselves if possible, no more than 30 minutes before the start of their race.

Chris Hulse of Active Leisure Events, the team behind the Aldi Chester 10K, Essar Chester Half Marathon and the MBNA Chester Marathon, said: “We’ve missed hosting our events and seeing runners in Chester.

“We have gone the extra mile to plan a race that conforms to all the Covid-19 guidelines and then some more to produce an event that will mark a safe return to running for all whilst still being the memorable experience that people expect from us.”

Runners unable to attend on race day or would prefer to take part away from Chester can sign up to the 'Run Your Way' version of the race, which they can do any time up until August 15. Those unable to attend should email info@activeleisureevents.co.uk .

Chris added: “We are over the moon to be finally back and doing what we love to do for the runners. Feedback we have had so far indicates that the runners are happy that we are playing it so safe. This is reflected in the surge of entries being received.

“I am also delighted to announce that the coveted Chester Triple medal is back for 2021 for runners who complete the Aldi Chester 10K and Essar Chester Half Marathon and either the MBNA Chester Marathon or the MBNA Chester Metric Marathon.

“Running is bouncing back and we are so glad to be part of it!”