Runners hoping to take part in this year’s Chester Half Marathon are being urged to move quickly as 75% of places have already been snapped up.

Race organisers confirmed a huge wave of interest since the beginning of the year, with the majority of sign-ups from people taking on the race for the first time.

Andy White, from race organisers Active Leisure Events, said: “It’s fantastic to see so many people choosing to run with us in 2015 and, once again, we’re fully expecting the race to sell out.

“What’s interesting this year is that, with around 12-weeks still to go, almost 70% of registrations so far are from newcomers – people that haven’t run the Chester Half Marathon since we took over the event in 2013 – with plenty of entries from people choosing Chester for their first ever half marathon.

“We’ve also had a lot of entries from people living outside Chester and even some international locations. We tend to find that these people will book early because they arrange their accommodation and travel at the same time, usually well before the race.

“We think these two factors combined have resulted in us being 75% full already and those who usually run this race every year – who will typically book a lot closer to the the race day itself – risk missing out on a spot if they’re not quick!”

The Chester Half Marathon was named one of ‘The UK’s 50 Best Races’ last month by the popular running magazine Runner’s World, with Chester being recognised for the quality of its route, the variety of scenery and its excellent support.

This year’s race, on Sunday, May 17, will be the 34th annual Chester Half Marathon, starting from Chester Racecourse and finishing outside of Chester Town Hall.

Chester Half Marathon race organisers Chris Hulse (left) and Andy White (right) at Chester Town Hall

Race organisers are also providing free training runs every month from Total Fitness in Chester to help people prepare for the Chester Half Marathon and the MBNA Chester Marathon, which takes place in October.

More details about the Chester Half Marathon can be found by visiting www.chesterhalfmarathon.co.uk.