Essar Chester Half Marathon
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Essar Chester Half Marathon
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About
All abilities, ages and speeds are welcome in the award winning, Essar Chester Half Marathon. 2023 marks the 41st edition of this historic race. It’s the second event of the Chester Triple Medal Series (enter and finish our 10K & Marathon or Metric Marathon in the same year for extra special, extra large and extra gold medal). Join us for what will be an amazing day
The Essar Chester Half Marathon is a great introductory race for new half marathon runners and an ideal stepping stone for runners aiming for a marathon in the future. The race will also host the England Athletics Age Group Masters Half Marathon Championship adding to an already unforgettable atmosphere.
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Half Marathon and Fun Run
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Sun 21st May 2023
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Chester, United Kingdom
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Where and when
Location
Chester Racecourse, Chester CH1 2LY, UK
Start times
Sun 21st May 2023
Half Marathon:
9:00am | Fun Run:
9:20am Event summary
Here are the distances available for Essar Chester Half Marathon
Half Marathon
21km
£40 - £47
Fun Run
1mi
Route information
The race starts at 09:00 at the city centre Chester Racecourse. The faster and flatter new route first run in 2021 will be run entirely on closed roads. Heading northwest out of the city on wide roads, runners will rapidly settle into the race, with plenty of support and music along the way. In the second half of the race the runners return to Chester for an unforgettable finish outside the Town Hall and Cathedral.
Course Records
- Men 1:02:21 by Vincent Boit in 2015
- Women 1:14:32 by Amanda Crook in 2013
Drinks Stations
The drinks stations will be 2.5 to 3 miles apart and can be seen on the route maps.
Fun Run
The Fun Run (approximately 1 mile) will be conducted wholly within Chester Racecourse, starting and finishing at the main race start.
Organiser route images
What's included
- Access to training plans
- Your personalised race pack including your race number and timing chip
- A technical T-shirt
- Bespoke medal
- A top quality nutritional goody bag
- Marked and marshalled route
- On course hydration and nutrition for refuelling
- Medical support throughout the course
How to get there
Chester Racecourse, Chester CH1 2LY, UK
Get full directionsPlan ahead and allow extra time for your journey to the race, as the city centre especially will be very busy.
By Car
If driving, avoid the worst of the traffic by entering the Racecourse from Sealand Road - A548.
Parking
The car park at the Racecourse will cost £4, and open from 06:30 to 07:30am and 10am to 6pm. For those who want to park in the city, there are plenty of options - check out the Chester Council website for your best options.
Be mindful that Park and Ride facilities will not be open before 09:00am.
Event day logistics
06:30 Car park opens (£4 entry fee) & Help desk opens
07:30 Baggage store opens, Car park and roads outside racecourse close
09:00 Half Marathon starts
09:20 Fun run starts
10:00 Car park reopens
11:00 Prize presentations at the finish
13:00 Baggage store closes
18:00 Car park closes
Race Packs
If you live in the UK, and entered more than 4 weeks before the race, your race pack will be posted out to you two weeks before the race. For those living outside the UK, race packs will be available for collection on the day before or on the morning of the race. Please see the race organisers website for full details.
Drinks Stations
There will be five water stations along the route located at miles 2.4, 5.8, 9.0, 10.4 and 11.8. There will be toilets at all of them. High 5 Gel will be available at stations 2 and 4.
Cut-off Time
The race cut off time 3 hours after your race start. Roads will re-open in line with this pace. If you fall behind this pace, for your own safety you may be asked to withdraw from the race and get into the sweep bus.
Runners who don't reach Overwood Lane (7.75 miles) by 11am won't be able to continue on the course, for their own safety.
Age Requirements
All entrants must be 17 and older on race day to enter the event.
Headphones
Headphones are permitted as this is a closed-road route, however it is recommended that runners leave one out so they can hear the marshals instructions.
Green Runner Entry
There is the option to enter as a Green Runner. In order to reduce carbon footprint, Green Runners will not receive a t-shirt, medal or goody bag. Instead the cost of these items will be donated to our official race charity Hope House Children's Hospices.
Chester Triple Series
Why stop at one race when you can run 3? There are two options for the Chester Triple Medal Series:
- Option 1: MBNA Chester 10k (12/03/2023); Essar Chester Half Marathon (21/05/2023); and MBNA Chester Marathon (08/10/2023)
- Option 2: MBNA Chester 10k (12/03/2023); Essar Chester Half Marathon (21/05/2023); and MBNA Chester Metric Marathon (08/10/2023)
Spectator Info
As the run takes place on an entirely closed route, once the race has started it's fairly difficult for spectators to move around. If you drive, please be sure to park considerately.
Recommended viewing locations are:
- Chester Racecourse CH1 2LY
- The Wheatsheaf Inn (Near Mollington) CH1 6JS
- Pesto At The Yacht (Near Capenhurst) CH1 6EY
- City Centre
FAQs
Is there a time limit for the Essar Chester Half Marathon?
Yes, as this race relies on roads closed by permission from the council, runners most complete their race in 3 hours or less. If you fall behind this pace, you may be asked to withdraw.
Can I wear fancy dress to the Essar Chester Half Marathon?
Of course! It is only asked that you don't wear anything that may endanger or obstruct anyone running around you.
Is there a baggage drop at the Essar Chester Half Marathon?
Yes there will be a baggage store at the racecourse with one bag allowed per runner.
How old do I need to be to run in the Essar Chester Half Marathon?
Runners must be at least 17 years of age on the day of the event.
Can I wear headphones at the Essar Chester Half Marathon?
As the race is run on fully closed roads, headphones are permitted under UK Athletics rules. It's still important to be able to hear your fellow runners, and instructions from marshals, therefore we recommend "open ear" bone conduction headphones for enjoyment and safety.
If you do wear in-ear headphones, please leave one out so you can hear the sounds around you.
Can I run with a buggy or a dog at the Essar Chester Half Marathon?
No, it is not possible to run with a buggy, or with a dog.
Where are the toilets at the Essar Chester Half Marathon?
There will be ample toilets at the start, all clearly signed. There will also be toilets at every drink station and at the finish.
Where can I park at the Essar Chester Half Marathon?
As a result of the growth of the race and delays for cars leaving the Racecourse, parking on the Racecourse for the Chester Half Marathon will close at 7:30am. There is city centre parking available. Further information will be available in the race day information pack which will be posted out and available on the website, closer to race day.
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