MBNA Chester Marathon

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Booked 5 times in the last week
£52 - £54

4.8

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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
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Marathon
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Calendar
9:00am Sun 8th Oct 2023
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LocationPin
Chester, United Kingdom
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Star
4.8
(12 Reviews)
All 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
Distance
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
Train
How to get there
Chester Racecourse, The Racecourse, Chester CH1 2LY, UK
Get full directionsExternalLink
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 hereExternalLink
Crowds
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.
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Can I run with a buggy or a dog at the MBNA Chester Marathon?
Unfortunately neither dogs nor buggies are allowed on the course.
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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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Reviews
4.8
12 reviews
SceneryStunning scenery
FriendlyFaceFriendly atmosphere
CrowdsIncredible crowds
Elaine R
Star
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
Star
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
Star
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
Star
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.
Star
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
Star
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.
Star
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...
Star
4.3
Did the race in 2019
Well organised race
Star
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 😊
Star
5.0
Did the race in 2019
Good experience,gr8 Marshall's well organised .medals for triple crown and the top was the best of all my races by far.
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£52 - £54
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