MBNA Chester Marathon

Name: MBNA Chester Marathon
Start: 2023-10-07T23:00:00.000Z
End: 2023-10-07T23:00:00.000Z
Location: Chester Racecourse, The Racecourse, Chester CH1 2LY, UK
Rating: 4.8

1 / 8

5 +

Booked 5 times in the last week

£52 - £54

4.8

Booked 5 times in the last week

About

All abilities, ages, fun and charity runners are welcome in the MBNA Chester Marathon, the 3x winner of the UK's best marathon (up to 5,000 runners). The event is the final race in the Chester Triple Medal series (enter and finish our 10K & Half Marathon in the same year for extra special, extra large and extra gold medal) The MBNA Chester Marathon is a great introductory race for new marathon runners and an ideal stepping stone for runners looking for more than a half marathon. We are the UK’s only international marathon from the historic Roman/Medieval international destination City of Chester, and host the England Athletics Age Group Masters Marathon Championship adding to an already unforgettable atmosphere. WHATEVER YOUR REASON FOR RUNNING, WE'RE HERE TO HELP YOU ACHIEVE GREATNESS

Marathon

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9:00am Sun 8th Oct 2023

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Chester, United Kingdom

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4.8
(12 Reviews)

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Where and when

Location

Chester Racecourse, The Racecourse, Chester CH1 2LY, UK

Start times

9:00am Sun 8th Oct 2023

Marathon:

9:00am

Event summary

Here are the distances available for MBNA Chester Marathon

Marathon

26.2mi

£52 - £54

Route information

MBNA Marathon

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 re-entering the City, runners pass the River Dee along the Groves and Castle Drive 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.

Course Records

Men - 2:20:26 by David Bishop in 2022
Women - 2:40:26 by Julie Briscoe in 2013

Organiser route images

What's included

Long sleeved quarter zip finisher T-shirt
Bespoke medal
Bag for life nutritional goody bag
Personalised race pack
Marked and marshalled course
On course hydration and nutrition for refuelling
Medical support
Toilets

How to get there

Chester Racecourse, The Racecourse, Chester CH1 2LY, UK

Get full directions

Parking

Parking for competitors and supporters will be available on the grass at the centre of the Chester Racecourse. The car park will open at 6:30am and will close at 7:30am to allow for the start of the races.

There will be a fee of £4 for parking. Please have the correct money ready when you arrive. The car park will re-open at approximately 11am and will remain open until approximately 6pm. Disabled parking will be available closer to the main buildings of the racecourse.

There are over 3,000 car parking places available in car parks within easy walking distance of the racecourse in Chester city centre. These car parks will charge a variety of fees dependent on the length of time vehicles are parked.

Event day logistics

06:30 - 08:00 Car park opens

07:30 Bag drop opens

09:00 MBNA Marathon starts

11:00 - 18:00 Car park reopens

11:15 - 16:00 Bag drop reopens

Age Requirements

All entrants must be 18 and older on race day to enter both the MBNA and Metric Marathons.

Race Packs

Race packs will be posted out before the event, and any late entries will collect their race pack from registration.

Cut-off Times

The MBNA Marathon will have a cut-off time of 6 hours. There will be two points along the route that if entrants have not reached by the cut-off times will not be allowed to continue.

Runners must reach the junction of Rossett Road and Borras Road (about 13.4 miles) before 12:15pm. Runners will have the choice of taking the sweep vehicle or continuing towards Holt. Please note that this cuts off 3 miles from the route, meaning runners will not complete the Marathon distance.

Runners must reach the 21 mile mark (exiting the village of Aldford) by 2pm. he route towards Huntington will be reopening - this is a very busy road once reopened, with no pavement, and runners will be transferred to the finish line.

Water Stations

There will be drinks stations located approximately every 2.5-3 miles apart with water. More information regarding what will be included at aid stations will be available closer to the event date.

Toilets

There will be toilets at the start/finish and at every water station along the course.

Green Runner Entry

There is the option to enter as a Green Runner. In order to reduce carbon footprint, Green Runners will not receive a t-shirt, medal or goody bag. Instead the cost of these items will be donated to our official race charity Hope House Children's Hospices.

Chester Triple Series

Why stop at one race when you can run 3? There are two options for the Chester Triple Medal Series:

Option 1: MBNA Chester 10k (12/03/2023); Essar Chester Half Marathon (21/05/2023); and MBNA Chester Marathon (08/10/2023)
Option 2: MBNA Chester 10k (12/03/2023); Essar Chester Half Marathon (21/05/2023); and MBNA Chester Metric Marathon (08/10/2023)

You can purchase tickets for either of the Chester Triple Series here

Active Leisure Events

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Spectator Info

As the race is run on a completely closed route, some parts will be inconvenient for spectators to reach.

If you intend on driving to the event, take into account any road closures that may affect you, and please park responsibly.

The organisers recommend Holt and Farndon as the good spots to watch the race, where there are also plenty of spots to buy refreshments should you require.

There are also great spots to spectate in the City, just after the start, towards the end along the River Dee, and back at the Racecourse to cheer finishers in.

FAQs

Can I wear fancy dress to the MBNA Chester Marathon?

Of course! It is only asked that you don't wear anything that may endanger or obstruct anyone running around you.

Can I run with a buggy or a dog at the MBNA Chester Marathon?

Unfortunately neither dogs nor buggies are allowed on the course.

Can I wear headphones in the MBNA Chester Marathon?

Yes, as this is a fully closed route. The organiser's ask that you leave one earphone out so that you can hear any instructions from race staff.

Reviews

4.8

12 reviews

Stunning scenery

Friendly atmosphere

Incredible crowds

Elaine R

5.0

Did the race in 2018

I loved this marathon. Great course and awesome support. Very organised. Course undulating, some country roads - loved it

4.7

Did the race in 2019

I have done my pb for 2 years previous not flat but excellent organisation highly recommended pace makers spot on two sub 4s

4.7

Did the race in 2019

Great event, well organised, lots of support, fab goody bag! I will be looking to do it again next year

5.0

Did the race in 2019

Considering the awful weather conditions in the week leading up to the event this was an amazingly well organised and managed event. Crowds out cheering at every village, well stocked aid stations and great marshals. Put simply the gold standard in marathon organisation.

5.0

Did the race in 2019

Nice friendly feel and perfect organisation , great shirt, medal and a great place to visit for the weekend

5.0

Did the race in 2019

My first time marathon. Fairly flat but a few undulations to help streach your muscles and avoid injury. Amazing volunteers and 4:45 pacer was a motivational genius.

4.0

Did the race in 2019

The start and finish where moved from the racecourse due to the weather, the course was waterlogged.. but i preferred this as I didn't get muddy shoes for the last 200m like previous years. The Pacers are great, really encouraging the slower runners.. I've done this 3 years in a row, so it must be a good course ☺️... But next year I think it's time to try a different course...

4.3

Did the race in 2019

Well organised race

5.0

Did the race in 2019

This was my 3rd marathon this year of 4 in total. Chester has a lovely route and of course running through the centre was lovely. All the volunteers were friendly and supportive. I loved the finishing top, buff and goodies. I will definitely enter this marathon again, a challenge but a challenge with many good bits and gorgeous buildings, houses and country lanes, fields to admire and distract from the mileage!! Thank you 😊