THE forecast rain failed to materialise as thousands of runners put their best foot forward for the 39th Essar Chester Half Marathon, back in front of cheering crowds.
The nearly 3,500 main race runners and 700 family fun runners took part in the Sunday race in warm and sunny conditions which turned cloudy later on.
Chester Racecourse and Chester Town Hall, Essar 2021 Chester Half Marathon. Picture Start of the Essar 21 Chester Half Marathon. Pictures: SIMON WARBURTON. SW19092021.
Joint race organiser Chris Hulse of Active Leisure said: “We are over the moon that the Half Marathon is back.
"The event has again been an outstanding success both for the elites at the head of the race and the thousands of club, main pack and fun runners behind them; together with the children and adults who charged around the Racecourse in the one-mile family fun run!”
Chester Racecourse and Chester Town Hall, Essar 2021 Chester Half Marathon. Picture Winners 1st man Jonathan Escalante-Phillips and 1st Lady Tracy Barlow. SW19092021.
Jonathan Escalante-Phillips of Cambridge & Coleridge AC won the race in a time of 1:06:36 followed by Charlie Hulson of Liverpool Harriers & AC (1:07:03) and Daniel Jarvis of Bedford & County AC (1:07:09).
First Lady over the line was Tracy Barlow of Thames Valley Harriers (1:20:13) closely followed by the 2019 winner Kirsty Longley of Liv. Pembroke & Sefton AC (1:20:20) and Sarah Hunter of Ackworth RR (1:20:32).
Jonathan Escalante-Phillips said: “It was nice to have the distraction of the city and sights, but then also that was balanced with long stretches in the countryside to focus on the running. It was a great race for spectators too!”
Chester Racecourse and Chester Town Hall, Essar 2021 Chester Half Marathon. Picture runners crossing the line. SW19092021.
Race Director Andy White added: “We have worked hard to overcome all the difficulties that have been thrown at us to make this a special race from start to finish, especially for the runners returning to competition after such a long break.
"We are absolutely delighted with the number of athletes, volunteers and supporters who have all played their part in making it such a memorable event. Having our wonderful city central to it all is also a massive factor in what makes our race a unique experience.
“It’s clear from feedback already received, that huge thanks are due from the runners to the communities and householders along the course, especially those of Mollington, Saughall and the Garden Quarter.
"The support they gave both in terms of encouragement and refreshments really spurred the runners on when they needed it the most!
Chester Racecourse and Chester Town Hall, Essar 2021 Chester Half Marathon. Picture supporting the runners. SW19092021.
“We’d also like to give thanks to our title sponsor Essar and our associate sponsors, Mitchell Group, Innospec, Up & Running, Dee 106.3 and High 5, plus all the organisations and volunteers without which this event wouldn’t be possible. All of these people have helped us deliver a first class event for Chester.”
Chester Racecourse and Chester Town Hall, Essar 2021 Chester Half Marathon. Picture start of the fun run. SW19092021.
One of the central aims of the Essar Chester Half Marathon is to support local communities and charities.
The expectation is that race runners will have raised in excess of £500,000 for their charities and good causes, with Wirral based Northern Lights Children’s Charity being the main race charity for the 2021 event.
The 2022 Essar Chester Half Marathon will be an extra special 40th anniversary of the race. The event will be returning to its usual spring date and will be held on Sunday, May 15, 2022.
Entries for the 2022 race are already open with a £10 discount for all entries before September 30.
At the top of this story is a gallery of photos from the day, taken by Simon Warburton.
Chester Racecourse and Chester Town Hall, Essar 2021 Chester Half Marathon. Picture crossing the Deestrider runners. SW19092021.
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