More than 6,000 runners have signed up for this weekend’s Essar Chester Half Marathon.

The 37th staging of the annual race, which starts at the racecourse and finishes in the Town Hall Square, takes place this Sunday (April 29).

Joint race organiser Chris Hulse says the event will ‘’show off the best Chester has to offer’.

He added: “Runners are coming from far and wide, joining an impressive local contingent.

“We have a fantastic finish area at the Town Hall Square which produces an atmosphere that is second to none. To say there is a carnival atmosphere is putting it mildly. Besides giving their support to the runners heading down Northgate Street, the spectators undoubtedly share their triumph at completing the 13.1 mile challenge.”

The run will be started by the Town Crier and a local family from Claire House Children’s Hospice at 9am. Thousands of runners will then head from Chester Racecourse to wind through the city, taking in the Watergate and Northgate, The Rows and cathedral before venturing out into the countryside.

While the elite athletes will finish in just over an hour, the majority will take up to two hours and more, providing plenty of opportunities for spectating. Spectators are being invited to line the route.

For further information on the Essar Chester 2018 Half Marathon, the race route, road closures and how to volunteer go to the website www.chesterhalfmarathon.co.uk.