The event, now in its 42nd year, was hailed as an outstanding success, and it is estimated that a record amount will have been raised for charity. One of its central aims is to support charities and local communities and it is expected that the runners will raise in excess of £700,000 for charitable causes, with West Cheshire Foodbank being the official race charity for 2024.
Brilliant support
Marshall Smith of Ashford AC, this year’s winner in a time of 1:07:52, commented: “The atmosphere was incredible…” and the first woman to cross the line, Abigail Howarth of Vale Royal AC, agreed: “…the support was brilliant out on the course and the whole event was really well organised.”
The runners in the main race were joined by a record number of 800 enthusiastic children aspiring to enter the big leagues, who charged round Chester Racecourse in the 1 mile Fun Run.
Race Director Callum Shields, of Active Leisure Events, said: “From start to finish this has been a race to remember. We are absolutely delighted with the number of athletes, volunteers and supporters and, of course, our sponsors who have all played their part in making it such a remarkable day… it is clear that a massive thank you is also due to the local communities for their vocal and enthusiastic support!”
“We would like to give thanks to our title sponsor Essar, and associate sponsors, Mitchell Group, Innospec, High 5, AWOL, Brecon Carreg, Go Fund Me and Farralls. We could not host the event without the amazing volunteers, organisations and groups, who give the race its unique and friendly character. All these people have helped us to deliver a memorable and inspirational event for Chester.”
Deepak Maheshwari, Chief Executive Officer of Essar sponsor EET Fuels, said: “This year, we’re celebrating 100 years’ of keeping Britain moving so we’re delighted with the record number of entries and turnout for this year’s race.
“We would like to thank Active Leisure and all of the runners, volunteers and supporters for making this such an epic event.”
If you have been inspired by all the action and sensational achievements of the 2024 Essar Chester Half Marathon, entries for the 2025 are now open www.activeleisureevents.co.uk/half -marathon.
The photo, supplied by EET, shows a selection of Essar colleagues who ran the race.
