CHESTER'S half marathon has been given an upgrade for 2020.

Organisers of the Essar Chester Half Marathon have unveiled an exciting change to the route of the race.

“Never having been the type of people to sit on our hands in respect of our events, we are always looking for ways to make them better,” said joint race organiser Chris Hulse.

“The race still starts at Chester Racecourse, takes in some of the city’s historic landmarks and keeps the spectacular finish at the Town Hall. However, on leaving the city runners will now exit

Chester and District Standard:

Changes to the half marathon route.

Parkgate Road much earlier and weave their way through the leafy lanes around the picturesque villages of Mollington, Lea by Backford and Saughall.”

A popular innovation last year was the Chester Triple Medal and this continues in 2020. Athletes running the Aldi Chester 10K, the Essar Chester Half Marathon and either the MBNA Chester Marathon or Metric Marathon this year will receive an extra, bespoke medal – the perfect reward for running the three Chester events during the year.

The Northern Lights Children’s Charity will also continue to be involved in the event. Northern Lights is a local charity who, each December, enable 20 children with life limiting illnesses to swap their hospital visits for sleigh rides, deep crisp snow, reindeers and a very magical visit to meet Father Christmas. Athletes are invited to raise money for them as they run the race.

Chris added: “Whilst the race has meandered over a variety routes in and around Chester since its first running in 1982, this is undoubtedly the flattest course this century and has a higher proportion of country lanes than in recent years.

“The extra village support and flatter elevation could see some personal best times being run!”

For more information on the Essar Chester 2020 Half Marathon, its sister races and the Northern Lights Children’s Charity go to https://www.activeleisureevents.co.uk/half-marathon