THOUSANDS of runners braved chilly conditions to go the distance in this year’s MBNA Chester Marathon and Metric Marathons.

Crowds cheered on competitors as they wound their way through the city before heading over the border towards Rossett, back to England at Farndon and then the long journey home to Chester Racecourse to complete 26.2 miles.

Those competing in the Chester Metric Marathon went on a long journey towards Churton before going back along mainly the same roads to complete 26km (about 16 miles).

There was also the fun of the Mini Marathon, which saw plenty of families enjoying a fun run.

The top three male finishers in the 2018 marathon were Mohammed Abu-Rezeq in 2:25:19, Russell Bentley in 2:27:48 and Karl Welborn in 2:28:48.

The top three female finishers were Johanna O’Regan in 2:45:36, Laura Trimble in 2:47:36 and Hannah Claydon in 2:51:09.

The top three metric marathon male finishers were Charlie Hulson in 1:26:59, Dave Bennett in 1:30:28 and Nicholas Barry in 1:32:50.

The top three metric marathon female finishers were Karen Alexander in 1:45:50, Kate Knox in 1:53:31 and Sue Baron in 1:54:53.