Almost 2,000 runners are expected to take part in the Essar Four Villages Half Marathon on Sunday, January 19, a year after organisers were force to cancel the event due to bad weather.

Race organisers are confident the 32nd ‘Helsby half’, a 13.1 mile scenic road race through the villages of Helsby, Manley, Mouldsworth and Dunham on the Hill, will go ahead.

Steve Riley, one of the organisers from Helsby Running Club, said: “It is all coming together nicely. We are a small handful of volunteers but, after over 30 years, we know what to do.

“Our biggest worry was the weather after last year, which was the first time ever that we had to cancel.

“We have checked the forecasts and it is looking much better but we’ve got a gritter from Cheshire West and Chester Council on standby just in case.”

A few Chronicle readers running the race have shared their stories with us. Click on the gallery to see why they are running:

If you are taking part in the Essar Four Villages Half Marathon, send us a photograph and tell us a bit about your challenge.

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