City streets were filled with almost 2,000 runners and an army of spectators on Sunday for a new 10k run.

The inaugural Chester 10K road race went ahead as planned, on a day when other races across the country were cancelled due to the bad weather.

It was cold and wet - but thankfully the snow stayed away.

Race director Andy White, of Active Leisure Events, said: “We are over the moon with the response to our new race and the perfect racing conditions which prevailed on the day.”

The 6.2 mile race, which started at the Northgate Arena, headed out to Mollington and returned to town via Northgate Street to a noisy reception from the crowds at the Town Hall square finish.

The race was won by Charlie Hulson of Liverpool Harriers in a time of 29 minutes and 58 seconds, followed by Andy Benson of Preston Harriers (31.44) and Christopher Perry (31.53).

The first woman to cross the line was Eleanor Davis of Bristol & West, who finished in 34.52. Eleanor was followed by Danielle Hodgkinson of Birchfield Harriers (34.58) and Amanda Crook of Southport Waterloo AC (35.49).

Winner Hulson said: “It’s a great course with lots of encouragement from spectators and volunteers. I am proud to be the winner of the first race and excited to have set the initial course record.”

Race director Andy added: "From what runners have already told us it is clear that a massive thank you is due to the local communities, especially those of Mollington and the Garden Quarter, for their vocal and enthusiastic support.

"We are glad that lots of people made the effort to turn out to support the runners.”

Joint race organiser Chris Hulse said: “We would like to thank our associate sponsors, Mitchell Group, together with Brio Leisure and Chester Road Runners for their support. We could not host the event without the amazing volunteers, organisations and groups who give the race its unique and friendly character.”

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

Sophie Chilvers, running and challenge fundraiser at Claire House, said: “Claire House are grateful to all running for us in the Chester 10k. We are lucky that so many people within the local community are pounding the streets of Chester to support their local children’s hospice.”