Liverpool marathon date unchanged despite clashing with Chester event

Feb 16 2011 by Allison Dickinson, Chester Chronicle

ORGANISERS of this year’s Chester marathon remain confident of a successful event – despite a clash with Liverpool.

The organisers of the Chester race voiced their concerns about the mix-up after Liverpool announced they would be holding their event on the same day.

Despite assurances that the authority would consider changing the date, nothing was done and the authority stuck to its proposal to hold the race on October 9.

Chester organiser Chris Hulse of Active Leisure Events said: “We’d previously had meetings with the head of sport and recreation at Liverpool City Council because we were aware they were planning a marathon in the autumn.

“We looked into trying to go for a different date but we couldn’t do it, so regrettably, there will be a clash this year.

“At this point we don’t know how it is going to affect numbers but we are quite happy with the interest up to now.”

Liverpool race director Alan Rothwell said the choice of date was out of his hands.

He added: “It was a council decision and there’s nothing we can do, but as far as we are concerned it isn’t really an issue.”