A CHESTER running group enjoyed the chance to do a clear run around the city by scooping up unsightly litter along the way.

Six groups of the Chester Road Runners, which meet every Wednesday at Westminster Park, donned their gloves and litter pickers to bag up all the pieces of rubbish they could see as part of their second ever 'plogging' session.

Plogging is of Scandinavian origin, a combination of the Swedish word plocka – to pick – with jogging, and has risen in popularity in the past year.

About 100 Chester Road Runners took part in perfect weather conditions, heading to such areas as by the River Dee in Saltney, the Greyhound Retail Park, the Groves and the city centre.

There were a few interesting discoveries among the expected rubbish of alcoholic drinks, plastic bottles and takeaway cartons, including a packet of Werther's Originals and even half a set of false teeth.

Chester Road Runners group leader Steve Hughes explained how the event went.

He said: "Tackling plastic pollution is a worldwide epidemic and litter collection is an essential part of that solving it.

"Even in Chester, plastic including microplastics get washed down the drains – especially with the wet weather we've had – into the Dee and out to sea.

"We had over 100 runners that combined their normal Wednesday night run with collecting litter and had a great time in the process, collecting approximately 100kg of litter.

"Plogging is a great way to keep fit and do your bit. I'd recommend it to anyone."

Chester Road Runners has well over 550 members, with many also helping out as volunteers at the Chester 10k, half marathon and marathon, plus the city's weekly parkrun at the Countess of Chester Country Park.

  • For more information, email chesterroadrunners@gmail.com or visit chesterroadrunners.org.uk.