MORE than 5,000 runners will take to the streets of Chester this weekend as the MBNA Chester Marathon gets underway.

The route, which begins at Chester Racecourse on Sunday morning (October 2) before taking in the Town Hall, Cathedral, split level Middle Ages Rows, Eastgate Clock, Amphitheatre and the Roman Walls before heading out of the City across the Old Dee Bridge, will see a huge number of competitors including some of the country's elite runners.

"The runners themselves continue to recognise that the MBNA Chester Marathon offers something special as an event," says Joint Race Organiser Andy White.

"We have a fast, predominantly flat course through the city and out into the striking Cheshire countryside, crossing into North Wales, making it the UK’s only international marathon. This, combined with the superb Chester Racecourse venue, and support that is second to none, make for a memorable race day experience for all!

"Yet again this year, for many runners, the event offers an extra thrill in that the marathon will be the culmination of a three-race challenge to run all three Active Leisure Events organised races – the MBNA Chester 10k; the Essar Chester Half Marathon and the MBNA Chester Marathon/Metric Marathons. Runners who complete all three will be awarded the Coveted Chester Triple Medal as they finish the marathon on Sunday."

The event's organisers are delighted that their race will again be the venue for the England Athletics Masters Championship, following an overwhelming response to a poll on social media.

Joint Race Organiser Chris Hulse, said: "Sunday morning will see over 5,000 runners taking to the streets of Chester with a steely-eyed portion of them competing in the 2022 England Athletics Age Group Masters Marathon.

"Over 150 Age Group runners ranging from athletes in their thirties to their seventies, who qualified during the past year, will join the other runners in the highly anticipated race on Sunday."

For more information on the event, race route, start times and its sister events the MBNA Chester 10K and the Essar Chester Half Marathon visit www.activeleisureevents.co.uk.