GALLERY: Thousands battle the elements to finish MBNA Chester Marathon

Through very changeable weather – a world away from July's Chester 10k event in the scorching heat – competitors went the distance in both the full 26.2-mile marathon race, which began at 9am, and the 26.2km metric marathon, which began at 10.15am, with the family-friendly one-mile mini marathon taking place shortly afterwards.

Start of the Metric Marathon.

Joint Race Organiser Chris Hulse said: “We have worked hard to overcome all the difficulties that have been thrown at us during 2021 to make this the kind special race experience that people associate with us.

"Many of the runners were returning to competition after a long break and welcomed the subtle changes and measures we had in place to keep them safe.

“It felt so good to see our fellow runners back in marathon action again here in Chester.”

Start of the Mini Marathon.

With the event now in its 11th year, spectators dotted the route throughout Chester city centre, the Cheshire countryside, and parts of North Wales to cheer on the runners.

The first placed runner was local man Michael Young of West Cheshire AC who finished the race in just 2:27:32 and the first lady, Melissah Gibson of Ealing Eagles RC, who crossed the line in 2:48:44.

Michael said: “An amazing course. The whole event was brilliantly run and the marshals and volunteers fabulous. I would highly recommend it!”

Chester Racecourse start and finish Grosvenor Park, Mbna Chester Marathon, Metric and Mini Marathon. Picture Centre first place man Michael Young, second place Joseph Turner and third place Tomos Roberts. SW03102021.

The MBNA Chester Marathon, consistently voted onto the podium by the readers of Runner’s World for being a top-quality event, and again selected to be a qualification race for the 2021 Abbott World Marathon Major age group championships, was started by Chester’s Town Crier addressing and waving off runners from the starting line at Chester Racecourse.

The runners are expected to raise a combined total of more than £600,000 for local and national charities. This includes the main race charity, Northern Lights Children’s Charity, who were on hand during the day to help over 500 children and adults run the ever-popular one-mile MBNA Chester Family Mini Marathon around the Racecourse.

Chester Racecourse start and finish Grosvenor Park, Mbna Chester Marathon, Metric and Mini Marathon. Picture Centre first place Lady Melissah Gibson, second place Keely Smith and third place Alison Taylor. SW03102021.

In the accompanying MBNA Chester Metric Marathon, Dean Howlett of Kirkby Millers AC completed the 26.2-kilometre route to take the win in 1:36:19, with first lady Elizabeth Renondeau of Cheshire Dragons crossing the line in 1:42:13.

Race Director Andy White said: “I’d like to thank everyone involved in helping us make the event such a success, from the runners and the spectators to the sponsors and the rest of the organising team. Chester can be proud to host what is regarded by many as the best marathon in the UK.”

Chester Racecourse start and finish Grosvenor Park, Mbna Chester Marathon, Metric and Mini Marathon. Picture Metric Marathon first man to cross the line Dean Howlett, second place Jonathan Kettle and third place Tom Dunlop. SW03102021.

More than 700 volunteers, including many from race title sponsor MBNA, were on hand to support this year’s runners at drinks stations and along the 26.2-mile course. Smiling volunteers could also be found handing out medals, commemorative shirts and goody bags at the finish.

“Our volunteers this year were also absolutely fantastic. A big thanks to all enthusiastic groups, individuals, MBNA and everyone else who gave their time and energy to help make the MBNA Chester Marathon such an overwhelming success,” added Andy.

Chester Racecourse start and finish Grosvenor Park, Mbna Chester Marathon, Metric and Mini Marathon. Picture Centre first place Metric Marathon Lady Elizabeth Renondenu, second place Lucy Tilston and third place Paiwan Dodd. SW03102021.

Early analysis shows that the event is also expected to have provided the local economy with a significant cash boost with over £1,000,000 spent on local accommodation, food, shopping, and visitor attractions.

Anna Johnson, vice president of product operations and sponsorships at Lloyds Banking Group, said: “The MBNA Chester Marathon is one of the highlights of the UK race calendar and for good reason.

Chester Racecourse start and finish Grosvenor Park, Mbna Chester Marathon, Metric and Mini Marathon. Picture Winners of the Mini Marathon, centre first place Ruby Phillips 12, second place Amy Phillips 14 and third place Noah Woolgar 12. SW03102021.

"We’re proud to have been involved in this event since its inception as it brings so many people together – families and runners of all abilities – it gets them active and raises hundreds of thousands of pounds for charities across the country every year. The Mini Marathon is always a real highlight as it is open to adults and children and it helps to inspire our runners of the future.

"We wish everyone taking part in the races, or cheering from the course, the very best for this year’s race day.”

• Those who have been inspired to take part next year will not have long to wait. Entries for next year’s full and metric marathon events, which will take place on October 2, 2022, are already open. To enter and for more information about the race, visit www.chestermarathon.co.uk .
• For those looking to build up to that distance, or prefer a shorter challenge, the Chester 10k on March 13, 2022 is also open for entries. Visit http://www.activeleisureevents.co.uk/chester-10k for more information and to enter the race.
• The Essar Chester Half Marathon on May 15, 2022 is also already open for entries, with places filling up fast. Visit www.chesterhalfmarathon.co.u k for more information and to enter the race.

Chester Racecourse start and finish Grosvenor Park, Mbna Chester Marathon, Metric and Mini Marathon. Picture First Man crossing the line Michael Young. SW03102021.