This weekend's Chester Marathon is expected to be the biggest yet, with thousands of runners expected to be put through their paces around the city on Sunday, October 6.

The annual event has continued to grow in popularity since its first event in 2010, save for a dip around the Covid lockdown, and last year saw about 4,500 competitors cross the finish line over the full 26.2-mile marathon and 26.2km metric marathon distances.

However, this year looks on course to smash that record, with both the marathon and metric marathon sold out in advance of the big day.

Joint race organiser Chris Hulse, of Chester-based Active Leisure Events Ltd, said: “We’ve come a long way from the inaugural race in 2010 when 764 people crossed the finish line at Chester Rugby football Club.

“The event has grown steadily since then but, as with all such activities, took a hit during Covid. We are delighted to see that entries once again set a new record after surpassing’s last year’s record numbers for our event.

“We are sold out with 7,000 runners expected to take to the course on Sunday.”

A record number of Triple Series contenders are looking to complete the set of Chester 10K, Half Marathon and Marathon races completed during the year. To top it all, the mini marathon is the biggest field ever with 1,000 families and aspiring young runners looking to join in the fun of event day.

Victoria Dowd, MBNA community investment partnership manager, said: "We're absolutely thrilled to sponsor the marathon again for the 15th year, we're so proud to partner with the team on such a meaningful event that brings the community together and creates a lasting positive impact.

"Year on year, entries have continued to grow, and it's brilliant to have been part of this.

"We have more than 40 MBNA runners taking part, all passionate about fundraising for their chosen charities, including this year’s official race charity sponsor, West Cheshire Food Bank, who provide vital support to those in need in our local community.

"Best of luck to everyone taking part – we're cheering you on all the way!"

Chris added: “We are inviting people to come and experience the drama and excitement of the event on Sunday morning as it’s always a special occasion.

"The big race will start at 9am, the runners heading into the city centre passing the Town Hall, Cathedral, Eastgate Clock, Amphitheatre and through the Walls before exiting the city across the Old Dee Bridge.

“The route offers fabulous vantage points for spectators in the city, especially from the City Walls as runners pass under four city gates early in the event.

“The runners then leave Chester past the Duke of Westminster's estate, through Pulford, before crossing the border into Wales and the villages of Lavister and Holt. Crossing the river at Farndon, the return to England signals the beginning of the home stretch through Churton, Aldford and Huntington.

“The last mile along the Groves beside the River Dee is always popular with the crowds as is the memorable finish at Castle Drive adjacent to Chester Racecourse.

"Whilst the elite runners finish the 26.2-mile race in under two and a half hours, the majority of the runners will take up to four hours and more, providing plenty of opportunity for spectating and giving the competitors some much-needed encouragement and support.”

The MBNA Metric Marathon starts at 10.10am with runners tackling 26.2 kilometres on a course leaving Chester via Boughton and Huntington, going beyond Aldford before returning largely the same way. The MBNA Mini Marathon is a one-kilometre run within the racecourse at 10.20am.