A POPULAR running event saw thousands of athletics enthusiasts turn out to take part.

The MBNA Chester Marathon on Sunday continued its winning streak, attracting a record number of 6,000 runners.

Attendees were able to participate in the marathon, metric marathon or mini marathon family run on the event’s landmark 10th anniversary.

The race was started by Chester’s Town Crier, who waved off runners from the starting line on Nun’s Road.

Some 20,000 locals and visitors witnessed the spectacle of the runners streaming through Chester city centre and off into North Wales before returning to Chester for a stunning finish by the River Dee.

The event produced some impressive racing performances - proving that the 2019 MBNA Chester Marathon, now in its 10th year, continues to live up to its award-winning reputation.

The marathon was won by Tom Charles of Trafford AC who finished the race in 2:29:29 and the first lady Abbey van Dijk who crossed the line in 3:01:51.

In the accompanying MBNA Chester Metric Marathon Chris Pownell of Knowsley Harriers completed the 26.2 kilometre route to take the win in 1:30:47 with first lady Es Burford crossing the line in 1:49:17.

The runners are expected to raise a combined total of more than £600,000 for local and national charities including the main race charity Northern Lights.

Joint race organiser Chris Hulse said: “This year will see us pass £5 million raised from our events overall, so thanks are due to everyone involved.

"From the runners and the spectators to the sponsors and the rest of the organising team, we’re extremely grateful that you’ve helped make the MBNA Chester Marathon such a success."

As well as the runners and spectators, there were more than 700 enthusiastic volunteers - including many from the race’s title sponsor MBNA - who were on hand to support the runners at various drinks stations, across the 26.2 mile course.

MBNA were on hand to give out medals, souvenir shirts and goody bags at the finish.