SUNDAY morning sunshine and perfect running temperatures provided a perfect backdrop for thousands of runners at this year's MBNA Chester 10K.

Conditions were a welcome change to the bitter cold and snow of the previous few days, with 3,500 runners competing in the multi-award winning annual race, which once again began by Chester Racecourse on Nuns Road and finished on Eastgate Street with the iconic Eastgate Clock in the background.

Joint race organiser Chris Hulse said: “The sharp end of the race provided some thrilling competition with some big names battling it out for the win."

A fierce battle at the front saw Jonny Mellor break the course record with a winning time of 29m20, followed by Omar Ahmed of Birchfield Harriers (29m36) and Charlie Hulson of Deeside AC (30m09).

First lady was Kirsty Longley of Liverpool Pembroke & Sefton HAC who crossed the line in 35m33 followed by Carla Davies of Preston Harriers (35m41) and last year’s winner Joanna Marsden of Cheshire Dragons (36m40).

Similar battles were taking place throughout the race as athletes fought for placings in the England Athletics Age Group Masters and Welsh Athletics Age Group 10K Championships with some impressive performances being recorded.

Chris added: “Whilst the vast majority of the runners taking part would not place themselves in the elite category, nonetheless each one of them was tackling their own challenge in doing the 6.2-mile race whether that be to raise money for charity or to achieve a personal goal. Many were first time runners looking to complete the 2023 Chester Triple Medal.”

The MBNA Chester 10K race started at Chester Racecourse then headed out to Mollington and returned to the heart of the city centre.

Joint race organiser Andy White added: “A massive thank you is due to the local communities, especially those of Mollington and the Garden Quarter for their vocal and enthusiastic support.

“We are thrilled that so many people made the effort to come out to cheer on and encourage the runners.

“We would like to thank MBNA as title sponsor and our associate sponsors, Mitchell Group, High 5, Brecon Carreg and GoFundMe. We could not host the event without the amazing support of volunteers, organisations and groups who give up their time for free and give the race its unique and friendly character.”

Hope House Hospice is the official event charity and Active Leisure Events expect their three races this year to raise £1 million overall for Chester based, regional and national causes.

For more information and to enter the Essar Chester 2023 Half Marathon and the MBNA Chester Marathon/Metric Marathon and the Chester Triple medal, visit www.activeleisureevents.co.uk.

See the best pictures from the day in our exclusive gallety above. Pictures by Simon Warburton.