Chester Half Marathon
Hot on the heels (no pun intended) of the London Marathon last weekend comes the Chester Half Marathon. It is expected that more than 6,000 runners have signed up and will pack the streets of Chester this weekend. Hats off to all those taking part. The 37th time this Chester Half Marathon has been staged takes place this Sunday. It begins at the Racecourse and finishes in the Town Hall square. The event is proving to be a popular race for runners far and wide.
Chester Half Marathon
Chester Half Marathon
As one of the joint race organisers, Chris Hulse, said, “the event will show off the best Chester has to offer”.
He went on to say, “We have a fantastic finish area at the Town Hall Square which produces an atmosphere that is second to none. To say there is a carnival atmosphere is putting it mildly”.
Spectators are invited to line the route and give their support as well as share the runners delight at completing the 13.1 mile challenge.
Long Established
The Chester Half Marathon is one of Britain’s most highly regarded and well established half marathons. Chester’s Town Crier will commence the race along with a local family from Claire House Children’s Hospice at 9am. So, an early night on Saturday for all you runners taking part.
The 6,000 plus crowd of runners will then make their way from the Racecourse to wind their way through the city. The route will include passing through Northgate and Watergate, The Rows and the Cathedral. After which the runners will venture out into the countryside along the A540 and then return back into the city centre.
It is expected that the elite runners will finish in just over an hour. The men’s record time for the Chester Half Marathon is 1 hour; 2 minutes; 21 seconds as achieved by Vincent Boit in 2015. The women’s record time is held by Amanda Crook. A time of 1 hour; 14 minutes; 32 seconds was recorded in 2013.
Fun Run
As mentioned the half marathon will commence at 9am. At 9.20am a Fun Run will start. This run will be a one mile Fun Run aimed at children and toddlers. Parents, grandparents and carers are welcome. The Fun Run will be raising funds for the race charity Claire House Children’s Hospice. This run will be conducted wholly within the racecourse.
Spectator Locations
The course for the Chester Half Marathon is wholly within closed roads. This is to provide the best experience for competitors and to also maximise their safety. Consequently this does mean that spectators will find it difficult to access some parts of the course. Because of the road closures it will be difficult to move around once the race starts. It may be an idea therefore to watch the start and the Fun Run at Chester Racecourse and then take a short walk up to the finish outside Chester Town Hall.
However, if you do want to see more of the race, these are the recommended spots:
The Wheatsheaf Inn:
Near Mollington (access via the A41 and then Station Road/Well Lane, right onto Townfield Lane and left onto Overwood Lane). Access is only available until 9am, and you won’t be able to leave until the last runner passes Overwood Lane on the return to Chester. There is free parking at The Wheatsheaf, with food and drink available. Also it is a great place to settle in and see the runners on their way out and then as they return to Chester.
City Centre:
Take a leisurely walk from the Racecourse into the city centre. There are plenty of places for food and drink available nearby.
If You’re Taking Part
I’m no expert so this is not medical advice in any way. But I imagine you have done your homework and will all be familiar with what you will need to do before, during and after the race. Eat the correct breakfast, take in enough fluids before, during and after the race and eat a well balanced meal one to two hours after the race.
No doubt you will also have been briefed on toilet facilities and first aid availability if required. If you haven’t then you should take some time out to find out these details. Oh, and if you see a photographer….smile!!!
Enjoy the occasion and enjoy the sights of the beautiful city of Chester. Hopefully the weather will be kind and the rain and the wind will stay away.
Car Parking
I’m not sure why but there will be no race parking at Chester Racecourse for the Chester Half Marathon on Sunday. For details of alternative parking locations – click HERE. More details of these parking locations (available spaces, prices etc), click HERE.
For Full Details Of The Chester Half Marathon
You can get full details of this year’s Chester Half Marathon by clicking HERE.
If you wish to know more about the beautiful city of Chester and Chester Lifestyle – click HERE.
