MBNA Chester Marathon
Sunday, 11 October 2026 · Racecourse, New Crane Street, Chester, CH1 2LY, United Kingdom
Event summary
Get ready for an exhilarating experience at the 16th MBNA Chester Marathon on Sunday, October 11, 2026! Organised by Active Leisure Events Ltd, this remarkable marathon is set in the historic city of Chester, Cheshire, offering a stunning backdrop for runners of all abilities. Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner or a first-time participant, the event welcomes everyone, including charity and fun runners. The MBNA Chester Marathon has been awarded the title of the UK's best marathon three times, making it a must-attend event. Participants can enjoy a scenic route that showcases Chester's iconic landmarks, as well as the beautiful Cheshire and North Wales countryside. The race is also part of the Chester Triple Medal series, rewarding those who complete the 10K and Half Marathon in the same year with a special gold medal! With a lively city centre start and finish, plus enthusiastic supporters along the course, this marathon is not just a race; it's a celebration of community and achievement. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable day of running and camaraderie!
About this event
We are looking forward to the 16th MBNA Chester Marathon and hope that you choose to run with us. All abilities, ages, fun and charity runners are welcome in the MBNA Chester Marathon, the 3x winner of the UK's best marathon. 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. The event boasts a lively city centre start and finish, with a route that passes all Chester's iconic landmarks, then heads out into the Cheshire & North Wales countryside, before returning along the banks of the River Dee for an unforgettable finish and all the enthusiasm you could ask for from the Cestrian supporters who line the course to cheer you on. WHATEVER YOUR REASON FOR RUNNING, WE'RE HERE TO HELP YOU ACHIEVE GREATNESS The event organiser will send you a confirmation email separate to the Find A Race confirmation email, that will contain important information regarding the event and to acknowledge they have received your entry.
Distances & Prices
| Distance | Price | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 - MBNA Chester Marathon | £68.70 | open |
Timings
| Type | Time |
|---|---|
| Event start time | 09:00 |
What's included
Fast Course Cash Prizes A special long sleeve quarter zip technical T-shirt Bespoke Medal A tote style goody bag packed with post race nutrition
The course
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 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 a unforgettable finish on Castle Drive. The support in the villages and communities along the course is one of the many highlights of the race.
The route
Parking
Parking will be on the open course at Chester Racecourse for a small fee (weather permitting). There are also many car parks within the city and a short walk to Chester Racecourse.
Gallery
FAQs
Is there a cut off time? Is there a minimum standard?
Chester Marathon is a running event, and there is a race cut-off time of 6 hours. Road closures are lifted in line with the 6 hour pace, and if you are not able to achieve this you may have to withdraw for your own safety. Out of consideration for the communities we run through, 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: Junction of Rossett Road and Borras Road (about 13.4 miles) - Runners arriving here after 12:15 will not be able to enter the Borras loop. You will have the choice of getting into the sweep vehicle, or continuing towards Holt. This cuts 3 miles off the route so you will not complete the marathon distance. 21 miles (exiting the village of Aldford) - Runners arriving here after 14:00 will not be able to continue for their own safety. The route towards Huntington will be reopening - this is a very busy road once reopened, with no pavement. We will transfer you to the finish in the sweep bus. Times for runners who finish over the cut off will not be listed on the final results.
Can I run in fancy dress?
Yes we welcome runners in fancy dress. Why not run as a Roman Centurion? It would be great to see the streets of Chester full of Centurions again! We do ask that you are considerate to your fellow runners, and don't wear a costume that might be obstructive or dangerous to others.
Will there be start zones?
There will be start zones clearly marked with estimated finish times. Please assemble in the appropriate zone for your realistic expected finish time.
Will there be pacers?
There will be Marathon pace runners at the target times of 3:00 and every 15 minutes up to 5:00 hours (chip time)
What facilities are there?
There will be ample toilets at the start, all clearly signed. There will also be toilets at every drink station and at the finish There will be ample toilets at the start, all clearly signed. There will also be toilets at every drink station and at the finish
Can I wear an iPod or music player?
Under UK Athletics rules, on any road which is not wholly closed to traffic only "open ear" bone conduction headphones are permitted. This means that in-ear headphones can't be used in the Chester Marathon and Metric Marathon. For the Chester Half Marathon and the Chester 10K, in-ear headphones can be used. Please leave one out so you can hear the sounds around you, including warnings from marshals or blue light vehicles on the course. Therefore we recommend "open ear" bone conduction headphones for enjoyment and safety
Can I run with a buggy or a dog?
No, it is not possible to run with a buggy, or with a dog. This is against UK Athletics rules and you will be withdrawn from the course and disqualified.
Price rises soon
£68.70
Browse more events
Similar events

02-AUG-2026
Wind in the Pillows Marathons & Half marathon
MK7 8HP Bletcham Way, Milton Keynes, United Kingdom

02-AUG-2026
Phoenix South Wales - Kingfisher Run
Darran Valley, Bargoed, CF81 9, United Kingdom

02-AUG-2026
Kilimasai Marathon Tanzania
Moshi, Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

02-AUG-2026
RUNNING GP BEDFORD AUTODROME
Bedford Autodrome, Bedford, MK44 1, United Kingdom