The status of Chester Marathon as a destination international event is guaranteed for three more years following confirmation that leading credit card provider MBNA has renewed its sponsorship of the race until 2018.

The Chester-based credit card provider has supported the race since it was first run in 2010. Over the last six years, the 26.2-mile event's attendance has grown, now attracting more than 5,000 competitors from across the world to challenge themselves through the picturesque streets of the ancient Roman city and the surrounding Cheshire countryside. In 2012, it was voted the UK's number one marathon.

"We are delighted to see MBNA continue as title sponsor for the race", said joint race organiser Chris Hulse of Active Leisure Events. "Their invaluable support has been crucial to the development and success of the race".

The event, which now also includes a metric marathon and a children’s race, is also a major fundraising event for the city.

In 2015, the event raised over half a million pounds for charities, including the nominated race charity Countess of Chester Hospital's Babygrow Appeal. Other charities runners support include Claire House Hospice, the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, The Chelsea Burley Trust and Rethink Mental Illness.

MBNA Chief Executive Ian O'Doherty said: "MBNA is hugely proud to have supported the Chester Marathon since it started. Many of our employees have taken part and raised money for charity over the years.

"Chris Hulse and Andy White have always had a strong vision for what this race should be, and it is their drive and dedication to delivering a quality event that made it easy for us to agree to extend our sponsorship.

"Chester Marathon is a brilliant way to showcase the historic city that we call home, and we hope that our commitment to the event for the next three years can provide a platform for it to become bigger and better than ever".