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Age 18 & over
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The multi-award winning and sell-out MBNA Chester Marathon has developed an enviable reputation with runners of all levels and abilities.
As the 6th largest marathon in the UK and three-time winner of the UK’s Best Marathon, it is also the only marathon in the UK that spans across both England and Wales. The route takes in the beautiful surrounding landscapes and villages that both countries have to offer.
Organised by runners for runners, this aims to be the 'perfect race'; a premier quality, competitively priced race which caters for the needs of runners of all abilities and speeds, combined with friendliness and personal touches which are unique to this event series. A rare Metric Marathon and Mini Marathon make the day exciting and inclusive for all abilities!
The event will once again host the England Athletics Age Group Masters Marathon Championship and be a qualifying race for the Abbott WMM Age Group World Championships.
This event is part of MBNA Chester Marathon and Metric Marathon.
The MBNA Chester Marathon and the Metric Marathon are the last events in the Chester Triple Series - run in the 10K and Half Marathon too, for a spectacular Chester Triple medal!
Event sponsors, partners and charities will have stands at the event.
Disabled athletes are encouraged to contact the organisers to ensure a safe and enjoyable race. There is not a wheelchair race, but accompanied wheelchairs, visually impaired and learning disabled athletes have all competed successfully in the past. Choose your start pen with care, to avoid jostling it is usually safer to line up at the back of the race. There is chip timing so your race time won't be affected.
The course does involve some short, sharp climbs and will start on grass. There are some cobbles, speed bumps and hills.
Disabled toilet facilities are available on the marathon route in the village of Holt (16 miles).
If an athlete needs a carer or guide to accompany them during the race, the carer is entitled to a free place in the race.
Chester Racecourse
Chester
Cheshire
CH1 2LY
UK
Chester is a destination city in its own right, with lots to do. There is fantastic shopping with superior high-street stores and boutiques. Enjoy a taste of history walking round the famous Roman walls, visiting the Roman amphitheatre and seeing the unique Rows (dating from Medieval times). Combine sightseeing and spectating with a stroll along the River Dee. There are numerous restaurants, pubs and delicatessens to suit all tastes. All this in easy walking distance. If you want to venture just outside the city, look out for Chester Zoo, the Blue Planet Aquarium or the Cheshire Oaks outlet village.
You can expect some fast times over this stunning PB marathon course on closed roads covering 19 miles in England and 7 miles in Wales.
You will run past all of Chester's iconic landmarks (Roman Walls, Cathedral, Medieval Rows, Eastgate Clock, Amphitheatre) before heading out to the stunning Cheshire and North Wales countryside and villages; returning alongside the River Dee for an unforgettable finish on Castle Drive.
The support in the villages and communities along the course is one of the many highlights of the race.
This spectacular marathon route is both historic and scenic. Expect some fast times over this stunning PB marathon course on closed roads.
Runners leave the racecourse and head into the City centre passing the Town Hall, Cathedral, split level Middle Ages "Rows", Eastgate Clock, Amphitheatre and through the Roman Walls before heading out of the City across the Old Dee Bridge.
The route then leaves Chester past the Duke of Westminster's estate, through Pulford, before crossing the border into Wales and the villages of Lavister and Rossett.
Keeping to the rural lanes runners complete a small loop before entering the historic village of Holt. Then crossing the ancient Roman bridge at Farndon to return to England and the home stretch running through Churton, Aldford and Huntington.
On the way back into the City, runners pass the River Dee before a triumphant finish on Castle Drive!
The route is largely flat with some short hills or gradual climbs which are predominantly in the second half of the course. 70% of runners achieved a personal best marathon time.
6 hours.
Chester Marathon is a running event, and there is a race cut-off time of 6 hours.
Out of consideration for the local communities, there are two points where the marathon route will close, and runners who have fallen behind the 6 hour pace will not be able to continue on the marathon route:
In 15 minute time slots from 3 hours to 5 hours.
Why not enter as a Green Runner?
You wouldn't receive a finisher's medal, t-shirt or goody bag - instead, the cost of these items would be donated to the official race charity which is the West Cheshire Foodbank.
You'd help reduce waste and support the local race charity at the same time!
You'll experience all the fitness and mental health benefits associated with running, plus you'll get:
The MBNA Chester Marathon cash prize fund is shown below. All prizes will be based on gun time in the race.
Prizes are equal for male and female runners, with cash prizes for the top five and for age group and team prize winners.
The overall prizes for male and female top five will be awarded:
The first male and female finisher in each 5-year age group from 35-39 onwards will be awarded a £50 cash prize.
If a runner wins a prize in more than one category, the prize of the higher value will be awarded.
Club prizes based on cumulative times:
In addition to the prizes below there is a £500 bonus to the first man to break 2 hours 20 minutes and the first woman to break 2 hours 35 minutes.
Run the MBNA Chester 10K, the Essar Chester Half Marathon and either the MBNA Chester Marathon or Metric Marathon and you'll receive a fantastic Chester Triple Medal.
Early bird entry fee
£52.00
Valid to 20/10/2024
Early bird entry fee
£50.00
Valid to 20/10/2024
Entry fee (Unaffiliated)
£62.00
Valid 20/10/2024 - 28/09/2025
Entry fee (Affiliated)
£60.00
Valid 20/10/2024 - 28/09/2025
Entry fee
£66.00
Valid from 29/09/2025
Great course, well organised, fab marshals and a cheeky PB for me! Fran
My 10th marathon and the organisation was second to none. All absolutely awesome - well done! Ros
Thank you for a great marathon on Sunday and making my 100th marathon special. Brian
Fantastic event and one which really thinks about things from a runners perspective. Sarah
Ran with the 5 hour pacers, thank them for making it so enjoyable with the music and encouragement. Norma
Chester was my first marathon in 2017 where it got me good for age and now in 2019 holds my new PB. Jess
Thanks for a fabulous race, very well organised, lots of lovely marshals and great support along the course. Emma
This is first time I did the Chester Marathon. I will be back. Friendly well organised. Great course, excellent weather. Goody bag was great. Parking was easy. Start and finish near each other, plenty of spots for spectators. The only marathon that is England and Wales. Friendly and encouraging pacers on 5 hours. What could be improved? My training! Chris L
I absolutely loved this event, thank you to all those working on the day to support and encourage the runners, it was a very well-organised event. Great medal, it’s good to have a long sleeve t-shirt and the goody bag was a nice thing to have. The pace makers, the communities supporting on the route were fantastic and aid stations and toilets on route were great. There were bands playing and lots of gels being given out and crowds cheering us on. It felt like a special event to be a part of. Mary G
A very professionally run event. Every detail considered and would thoroughly recommend. Jim M
Reviews thanks to RaceCheck
