Don't know about runway details but I have a friend who works for a company on site (CASA or EASA I think) and will ask him. He probably won't have much of a clue as he's an IT fellow and probably doesn't know the difference between a wing and an undercarriage!
Thanks for the tip about direct trains, I'd forgotten there are indeed a couple of directs from MAN airport to Chester but only two or three a day. I usually change at Oxford Road which is not a big deal.
LPL used to be served by a bus (501 I think) that went to Liverpool Parkway South then you had to change at Lime Street or James Street. Never very convenient.