Chester 10k 2026.

This race never fails to disappoint for our Run Club. Immaculate efforts from both racers and supporters alike.

Chester 10k 2026 brought us our biggest race turnout, a whole lot of Personal Bests and even a little telling off from the local church vicar. Foreshadowing…

Everyone has their own perspective of the day, however, I shall share RCIC dads; The day started with the first arrivals to the Orange wave with that slightly nervous but excited atmosphere. Handing over responsibility of the megaphone and speaker to the support team is always a concern... But after a quick routine pre-race photo, off we went to the start line.

With a surprisingly quiet crowd for the first km (unlike our support corner), I hear Andy shout “CAN WE GET SOME F****** NOISE?” which followed by a roar from the crowd.

Thanks Andy.

Around the course I go, bumping into some Run Club legends exchanging some words of encouragement. Locked in, overtaking two giant dancing squirrels (they were either dressed up for charity or I was in zone 5 and seeing things). Then… the first climb up to the university. Nearly on my deathbed hearing the RCIC supporters on the megaphone saying “go on Max, you’ve got the downhill next” was all I needed. A big push to the finish line and just like that, all over.

Joining the supporters on the hill and cheering on the rest of the runners was an elite memory. Hearing their perspective of the race and how they got told off for playing the music too loud by the local vicar was amusing.

Finally, to Rooftop Social for some post race drinks to celebrate everyone’s amazing efforts. Struggling to get everyone into the photo was a clear sign that we are growing. Nice.

The moral of the story is; surround yourself with supportive run clubbers and you don’t need to go up that bloody hill alone.