MBNA Chester Marathon

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.