RUNNERS taking part in this year’s MBNA Chester Marathon are expected to raise an anticipated half a million pounds for charitable causes.

The 1,000 runners in last year’s inaugural marathon helped raise around £100,000 for charities across the region. With around 3,000 extra athletes expected to take part in this year’s race on Sunday, October 9, the hope is that figure could reach closer to £500,000.

Race organiser Chris Hulse, from Active Leisure Events, said: “One of the central aims of the MBNA Chester Marathon is to support local communities and charities.

“Following last year’s race, a follow up survey compiled by Manchester Metropolitan University revealed that almost £100,000 had been raised for charity. This year’s marathon will be significantly bigger with thousands more runners and using a projected forecast from the original statistics, I’m confident we can boost this figure dramatically.”

The two main race charities for 2011 are the Hospice of the Good Shepherd in Backford and Claire House Children’s Hospice in Bebington.

For more information about the MBNA Chester Marathon, visit www.chestermarathon.co.uk