CHESHIRE Oaks has been announced as the title sponsor of this year’s Chester Half Marathon.

The Ellesmere Port designer outlet takes over from Shell, which previously sponsored the 13.1-mile race.

Race organiser Chris Hulse said entries for the popular event, which will take place on May 13, were already more than half full.

He added: “We are very pleased to welcome Cheshire Oaks who will be the title sponsor for the race. Their support will help us move forward with the half marathon as it moves into an exciting new phase.”

Deputy centre manager Mark Schofield said: “We are delighted to be supporting the Cheshire Oaks Chester Half Marathon in 2012. This is a prestigious event for the city of Chester attracting thousands of runners from across the region.”

The race will start at Chester Racecourse, but instead of heading for Eccleston – as in previous years – will take athletes up Parkgate Road towards Two Mills, then back through Saughall and Blacon, before returning to the city.

“The old course just could not safely accommodate greater numbers and we were also keen to create a city centre finish that people would remember,” said Chris.

“A finishing straight down Northgate Street to a spectacular finish area flanked by the Town Hall and Chester Cathedral will be fantastic.”