A field of 2,000 runners will line up for the inaugural Chester 10k on Sunday - which will go ahead despite the wintry conditions.

The city has been in the grip of sub-zero temperatures all week and could even see another dusting of snow before race day.

But as the route is on treated roads, organisers do not anticipate snow or ice to be an issue.

Starting at the Northgate Arena at 9.30am, the 6.2 mile road race will take runners out to Mollington where they will loop around the village before returning to the city for a spectacular finish by the Town Hall and cathedral.

The race, which sold out its 2,000 places in less than 14 days, has created a great deal of interest in Chester and beyond.

Joint race organiser Andy White said: "It is expected that the fastest runners will be flying down Northgate Street at about 10am and we expect plenty of spectators will turn out to support them.”

Many of the runners tackling the course will be using it as preparation for the Essar Chester 2018 Half Marathon, being held on Sunday, April 29. Places are filling fast for the 37th running of the race, which also sells out every year.

Joint race organiser Chris Hulse added: "The interest in our city based races has been enthusiastic to say the least.

“We are in the middle of a new running boom as more and more people take to the streets. This is reflected by the rise in the number of people entering our events.”

Claire House Children’s Hospice is the official event charity and Chester-based Active Leisure Events expect their three races this year to raise £1m overall for local and national causes.

The main road closure on Sunday involves Parkgate Road (A540), which will be closed from 9am to 11am. For further information on road closures, visit www.activeleisureevents.co.uk/chester-10k/residents-information.