Chester Half Marathon 
For the fourteen years up to 2011, the race was organised by West Cheshire AC. For the last eight of those years, financial support was provided by Shell, with administrative support from Cheshire West and Chester Council Sports Development department. It was run on an accurately measured course (No. 09/072) on partially-closed rural roads to the south of the City, starting below the castle on Castle Drive and finishing on grass at Chester Roodee Racecourse.
Sunday 13th May 2012 - race day under a new organisation
As announced in May 2011, the organisation of the Chester Half-marathon is now transferred to Active Leisure Events, the Chester-based team behind the MBNA Chester Marathon, for the 2012 event and beyond. West Cheshire AC will retain strong links to the race, and will be providing many of the officials and volunteers on race day, but will no longer be responsible for organising the event.
The 31st race will take place over a new course which starts at the Roodee racecourse and finishes outside the Town Hall and Cathedral, in the heart of the city. Active Leisure Events will open entries in late 2011 via their Chester Half-marathon website, from where they will also answer queries about the 2012 event.
Will the new course enable faster race times? Over the past 30 years and various routes, the best times have been:
Men: Alan Shepherd 1:04:36 (2000); Women: Sally Ann Hales 1:15:38 (1985)
2011 event
Each year, the half-marathon nominates a local charity for which runners are invited to raise money. The charity for 2011 was the Youth Federation, which supports young people in difficult circumstances, focusing on issues such as mental health, loneliness, bullying, social activity, crime and drugs, as well as encouraging young people in voluntary work in local communities.
2011 results, and race photos from Mick Hall
2009 - 2011 course map from MapMyRun
Previous years' race results (except the first from 1982 – does anybody have a copy? If so, please use the "Road Running Training Northgate" link via "Contact Us" below).
