ORGANISERS of the Chester Half Marathon have unveiled the identity of a major sponsor for the 2012 race.

They have secured backing from the Cheshire Oaks outlet village as ‘title sponsor’ for the May 13 run.

Race organiser Chris Hulse said: “We are very pleased to welcome Cheshire Oaks. Their support will help us move forward with the Half Marathon as it moves into an exciting new phase.”

Mark Schofield, deputy centre manager for Cheshire Oaks, added: “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 recent years – will take the athletes up Parkgate Road towards Two Mills, then back through Saughall and Blacon before returning to the city.

Organisers have also announced a series of free, informal ‘pop along and join in’ training runs.

The first will be held on Sunday (February 5), Šwith runners assembling in the cafe area at Total Fitness, Liverpool Road, Chester, 9am to run along the traffic-free Greenway before returning for coffee, cakes and a chat.Š

More information about the event can be found at the race website: www.chesterhalfmarathon.co.uk.Š