Rochdale runners cross finish line

Rochdale Runners where amongst over 6000 people who took part in this years Chester Half Marathon

Rochdale Runners where amongst over 6000 people who took part in this year's Chester Half Marathon. Taking place on 12 May, the race, which is in its 32nd year started at Chester Racecourse and finished in Chester town centre, just outside the town hall.

Robert Kellett, from Rochdale completed the race in 1 hour, 29 minutes and 26 seconds and competed alongside his running club, Royton Road Runners. This was his seventh Chester Half marathon, a race he says is one of his favourites.

Rochdale runner Eamon Mooney had to pull out of the race just two weeks before due to a tendon injury he sustained in a training run. Eamon, who would have been competing in his 50th half marathon, said: “I will be taking part next year. I am determined to do it.”

Leading the runners to the finish was Kenyan born Mohammed Aburezeq who completed the race in 1 hour, 8 minutes and 7 seconds. Now living in Manchester, Mohammed said: “It was a really good, fast course, with only a few small hills along the way to challenge me. I hope to be back again next year.”

Victory in the women's race belonged to 27-year-old Amanda Crooke, from Southport Waterloo who crossed the finish line in 1 hour, 14 minutes and 32 seconds. Amanda, who has a seven month old baby, said: “This is only my second ever half marathon distance, and I hope to be back next year to get an even faster time.”

As well as the main race, a fun run also took place which saw up to 500 children and families take part.

Co-organiser Chris Hulse from Active Leisure Events, commented: “Today’s event was a great success. All the hard work and planning was rewarded when we had the opportunity to personally congratulate runners as they crossed the finish line with beaming smiles on their faces.”

Early bird entries for the 2014 Nike Running Challenge Chester Half marathon opened on Monday 14 May 2013. Prices are £24 for UKA affiliated runners and £26 for non-affiliated runners. Early bird entries will close at the end of May and general entries will open later in the year.