MBNA Chester Marathon
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MBNA Chester Marathon
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About
All abilities are welcome in the award winning 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 and The Chester Triple
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Sun, Oct 6, 2024
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Chester, United Kingdom
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The event experience
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Where and when
Location
Chester Racecourse, The Racecourse, Chester CH1 2LY, UK
Start times
Sunday, Oct 6, 2024
Marathon: 9:00 AMThe Chester Triple: 9:00 AM
Event summary
Here are the distances available for MBNA Chester Marathon
Marathon
26.2mi
£57 - £59
The Chester Triple
45.5mi
£118
Route information
Back for its 14th instalment, this ever-popular marathon event - the 6th largest in the UK - returns to the historic city of Chester. The final event of the Chester Triple Series, this marathon is a qualifying event for the WMM Age Group World Championships.
Starting at the racecourse, runners will head into the city centre, passing the Town Hall, Cathedral, split-level Middle Ages "Rows", Eastgate Clock, the Amphitheatre and 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. They will then cross 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 achieve 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
Organizer route images
What's included
- Long sleeved quarter zip finisher's 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 directionsParking
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
07:30 Bag drop opens
09:00 MBNA Marathon starts
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.
Fancy Dress
Runners are more than welcome to take part in fancy dress as long as they are considerate to their fellow runners and do not wear obstructive or dangerous costumes.
Cut-Off Times
The MBNA Marathon will have a cut-off time of 6 hours. There will be two points along the route - if entrants have not reached them by the cut-off times, they will not be allowed to continue.
Runners must reach the junction of Rossett Road and Borras Road (about 13.4 miles) before 12:15. 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 14:00. The 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? Enter the Chester Triple Series, and take on the MBNA Chester 10k (10/03/2024), the Essar Chester Half Marathon (19/05/2024) and the MBNA Chester Marathon (06/10/2024)!
Active Leisure Events
View more Active Leisure Events eventsSpectator 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.
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