Thousands of runners preparing to race through city streets in MBNA Chester Marathon

THOUSANDS of runners are preparing to race through the streets of Chester this weekend to raise thousands of pounds for charity.

On Sunday more than 4,000 runners will be racing under the Northgate Clock, around the City Walls and past the amphitheatre as they take part in the MBNA Chester Marathon.

And with packed crowds of supporters expected to gather along the 26-mile course to wave and cheer on the charity runners this year’s race is estimated to bring a £1.5m boost to the city centre economy.

Fundraisers are expected to raise £550,000 for local charities and 550 volunteers including 50 from race sponsor MBNA will man drinking stations en route.

At 9am on Sunday thousands of aspiring athletes will race from the starting line at Chester Racecourse as Town Crier David Mitchell fires the starting pistol and sends runners and walkers of all ages and abilities pouring through the city centre.

Race organiser Chris Hulse, of Active Leisure Events, said excitement was reaching ‘boiling point’ for the upcoming race which he hopes will help put Chester firmly on the sporting map and raise hundreds of thousands of pounds for charities.

“One of the central aims of the MBNA Chester Marathon is to support local communities and charities,” said Chris.

“We want to establish Chester as the UK’s favourite regional marathon destination by ensuring the race is good for the community, good for charitable causes and also a great experience for the runners.

“Last year’s marathon was wonderful for the city and helped put Chester on the runner’s map. With MBNA’s continued support this year, we’re hoping that we’ve taken the event to the next level.

“We’ve got a fantastic new route in place for those taking part this year, starting and finishing at the Racecourse, passing many of Chester’s iconic landmarks and crossing the border over to North Wales and back.”

And with the starting gun just days away organisers are working hard to deliver the 60,000 bottled drinks required for the participants.

Youngsters will run a one-mile course around Chester Racecourse to raise money for the Hospice of the Good Shepherd in this year’s mini marathon.

Chester’s MBNA Marathon starts at 9am on Sunday. Supporters are asked to share their photos of the race on the marathon’s Facebook and Twitter pages and on the Chronicle’s Facebook page.