Chester Half Marathon: Details of road closures ahead of 40th anniversary race – Cheshire Live

Thousands of runners will descend on the city centre this weekend for what will be the 40th anniversary of the Essar Chester Half Marathon. The hugely-popular road race starts from Chester Racecourse at 9am on Sunday, May 15.

Runners will then head through the city taking in Watergate Street, the Rows and Chester Cathedral before venturing out into the countryside via Northgate Street. Organisers are inviting both competitors and spectators to join them in celebrating the landmark event, which will have two very special guests.

"There will be a cake with 40 candles on it on race day," said joint race organiser Chris Hulse. "And we are hoping the 4,000 runners at the starting line and the oodles of spectators will share our celebratory mood!"

READ MORE: Chester city centre road closures as Northgate development nears completion

"We are honoured to have the race started by Dr Basil Thompson who was one of the organisers of the very first Chester Half Marathon back in 1982. He will be accompanied by British Marathon Champion Jonathan Mellor.

"Our award-winning half marathon attracts runners from far and wide, joining an impressive local contingent. We have a fantastic finish area outside the Town Hall which will produce a lively party atmosphere, giving much appreciated support to the runners heading down Northgate Street with all the spectators undoubtedly sharing in their triumph at completing the 13.1-mile challenge."

It is expected that the runners will raise over 500,000 for charity. Claire House Hospice is the official race charity, but a myriad of other great causes will be supported by the participants. Chris said: "As part of the anniversary celebrations we will be offering runners mini cakes and special birthday giveaways to 40 lucky winners at the finish, kindly donated by sponsors and local Chester businesses, in addition to the commemorative t shirt and goody bag. Its going to be a memorable event!"

Here are the all important details you need to know:

Event times

The actual race starts at 9am, but the Chester Racecourse car park opens at 6.30am - 4 cash charge per vehicle - along with the helpdesk. The car park closes at 7.30am and won't reopen until 10am. The baggage store opens at 7.30am and will be in operation until 1pm. Prize presentations will start at around 11am.

The route

The race starts at Chester Racecourse, heading up Watergate Street, through the Walls and the historic centre of Chester. Runners will leave the city via the Garden Quarter before heading out into the countryside on Parkgate Road.

Just after Little Mollington Hall, runners will turn onto the Roman road into the villages of Mollington and Lea by Backford. The route then continues up Parkgate Road and turns left to loop around part of Saughall village. Returning on Parkgate Road, runners will then pass Chester University and run towards the finish line via the Garden Quarter. The finish line is outside the Town Hall and Cathedral.

Road closures

Access to the city centre will always be available via Sealand Road and New Crane street, except for a short period between the race start. This section of road will be shut from 8.55am for around 20 to 30 minutes. If you are travelling into the city, use Liverpool Road, Hoole Way, the A51 and Grosvenor Road routes to avoid the closed roads.

If you live in the Garden Quarter or Blacon, then Cheyney Road, Stadium Way, Bouverie Street, Raymond Street, Canal Street and Garden Lane are closed until 1pm. Cars parked on West Lorne Street, Chichester Street or roads connecting these will be able to drive to the George & Dragon to exit. There will be no exit for cars parked in the Garden Lane car park as runners will be on the road.

Cars parked west of the canal will be able to exit via Sealand Road up to the A550 and Two Mills. Access from Chester towards Blacon will not be available via Sealand Road between 7.30-10am.

If you live in Mollington, then Parkgate Road through the village will be closed from 8.30am to 1pm, while roads in Mollington will be shut from 8.30am to 12pm. Well Lane and Station Road will be closed from 8.30am to 11am. Organisers will endeavour to provide residents access to the A41 after 10.10am.

If you live in Saughall, between 8.30am and 1pm Parkgate Road will be closed. Access and exit via Sealand Road to North Wales and the Wirral is available at all times. Access via Sealand Road from Saughall into Chester will be available, except for a twenty to thirty minute period from 8.55am, while the runners leave Chester Racecourse. Access from Chester towards Saughall, via Sealand Road, will be restricted between 7.30-10am.

For access to and from Ellesmere Port and the Wirral, use Liverpool Road and the A41. After 10am it will also be possible to use Sealand Road and the A550 to get to Two Mills junction and continue north from there. Road closures do not apply to pedestrians. If you are on the run route please take care as there will be race vehicles on the route.

NEWSLETTER: Sign up for CheshireLive email direct to your inbox here

View original post here:

Chester Half Marathon: Details of road closures ahead of 40th anniversary race - Cheshire Live