MBNA Chester Marathon
AL
From Active Leisure Events Ltd
Event summary
Get ready for an unforgettable running experience at the 15th MBNA Chester Marathon, proudly organized by Active Leisure Events Ltd! Set to take place on Sunday, 5th October 2025, this spectacular marathon is held in the beautiful city of Chester, Cheshire. Whether you're a seasoned marathoner or a first-time runner, this event welcomes participants of all abilities and ages, including fun and charity runners.
As the proud winner of the UK's best marathon award three times, the MBNA Chester Marathon promises a vibrant atmosphere with a lively city center start and finish. Runners will traverse a stunning route that showcases Chester's iconic landmarks, meanders through the picturesque Cheshire and North Wales countryside, and culminates along the scenic banks of the River Dee. Plus, participants can earn the prestigious Chester Triple Medal by completing the 10K and Half Marathon in the same year! Join us for an inspiring day filled with camaraderie and support from enthusiastic Cestrian spectators. Whatever your reason for running, the MBNA Chester Marathon is here to help you achieve greatness!
As the proud winner of the UK's best marathon award three times, the MBNA Chester Marathon promises a vibrant atmosphere with a lively city center start and finish. Runners will traverse a stunning route that showcases Chester's iconic landmarks, meanders through the picturesque Cheshire and North Wales countryside, and culminates along the scenic banks of the River Dee. Plus, participants can earn the prestigious Chester Triple Medal by completing the 10K and Half Marathon in the same year! Join us for an inspiring day filled with camaraderie and support from enthusiastic Cestrian spectators. Whatever your reason for running, the MBNA Chester Marathon is here to help you achieve greatness!
MBNA Chester Marathon
This event has taken place
Congratulations to everyone who took part. We're waiting on information about the next edition of this event.
Did you race? Let the community know how you got on and leave a review.
Add your review
Reviews
4.51 review
DY
Debra Y
Verified entrant
This reviewer is a verified Find a Race user who purchased a place at this event.
Took part in the 2026 edition · 1 month ago
This is a fantastic event and strongly recommend. If you are going for a time, the pacers are brilliant and if you put your trust in them, you will get that goal achieved. The race organisation was very smooth. Good parking which can be booked in advance so you know you have a space, loads of loos and the start line was well managed too. Lovely to have a send off from Denise Lewis.
My only minor criticism is that a few water stations were manned by young people who didn’t really know how to hand out water, so I missed a couple of stations as I wasn’t prepared to stop and wait for water. This didn’t bother me as I had water on me, but some of the people around me were a bit frustrated. While it is hard to manage all the gel wrappers, I made sure I only dropped mine a litter points. I assumed the 1000’s dropped on the road will be picked up. But these are only minor points. The massage at the end was well worth the wait. The goody bag was full!
If I do a marathon again I would certainly consider Chester again. Thank you organisers and race day supporters. You powered me up that mile 25 hill to then get me to the finish.
My only minor criticism is that a few water stations were manned by young people who didn’t really know how to hand out water, so I missed a couple of stations as I wasn’t prepared to stop and wait for water. This didn’t bother me as I had water on me, but some of the people around me were a bit frustrated. While it is hard to manage all the gel wrappers, I made sure I only dropped mine a litter points. I assumed the 1000’s dropped on the road will be picked up. But these are only minor points. The massage at the end was well worth the wait. The goody bag was full!
If I do a marathon again I would certainly consider Chester again. Thank you organisers and race day supporters. You powered me up that mile 25 hill to then get me to the finish.
Races
-
MBNA Chester Marathon
All abilities, fun and charity runners are welcome in the MBNA Chester Marathon
Entries closed£65.30
-
MBNA Chester Marathon Green Runner
Entries closed£65.30
Event information
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.
BEFORE RACE DAY YOU'LL RECEIVE:
• Access to training plans to support your running journey
• Support and advice, including free webinars and training runs to keep you motivated
• Your personalised race pack including your race number and timing chip sent to you in the post (runners from outside the UK need to collect their race numbers from our Help Desk on race weekend)
• Exclusive offers and competitions from our sponsors right from the moment you sign up
• Access to our friendly and supportive social community on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, who are happy to answer any of your running queries, including past and present pacers
• FREE runner to runner transfers - should you no longer be able to take part
ON RACE DAY YOU'LL EXPERIENCE ALL THE FITNESS AND MENTAL HEALTH BENEFITS ASSOCIATED WITH RUNNING, PLUS YOU'LL GET:
• A fantastic atmosphere as we host the England Athletics Age Group Masters Marathon Championships
• A special long sleeve quarter zip technical T-shirt, bespoke medal and a tote style goody bag packed with post race nutrition when you finish
• Prizes awarded for the top 3 men and women and the winners of each age group
• Access to our runners Help Desk for any last minute queries or transfers
• A safe running environment
• On course hydration and nutrition for refuelling
• Lots of medical support throughout the course should you need assistance
• Access to our tracking website so all your supporters can track your live progress
• Access to training plans to support your running journey
• Support and advice, including free webinars and training runs to keep you motivated
• Your personalised race pack including your race number and timing chip sent to you in the post (runners from outside the UK need to collect their race numbers from our Help Desk on race weekend)
• Exclusive offers and competitions from our sponsors right from the moment you sign up
• Access to our friendly and supportive social community on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, who are happy to answer any of your running queries, including past and present pacers
• FREE runner to runner transfers - should you no longer be able to take part
ON RACE DAY YOU'LL EXPERIENCE ALL THE FITNESS AND MENTAL HEALTH BENEFITS ASSOCIATED WITH RUNNING, PLUS YOU'LL GET:
• A fantastic atmosphere as we host the England Athletics Age Group Masters Marathon Championships
• A special long sleeve quarter zip technical T-shirt, bespoke medal and a tote style goody bag packed with post race nutrition when you finish
• Prizes awarded for the top 3 men and women and the winners of each age group
• Access to our runners Help Desk for any last minute queries or transfers
• A safe running environment
• On course hydration and nutrition for refuelling
• Lots of medical support throughout the course should you need assistance
• Access to our tracking website so all your supporters can track your live progress
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.
The race starts from inside Chester Racecourse, with the event village within the Paddock at Chester Racecourse. The finish is located in the heart of the city on Castle Drive.
If you no longer wish to take part in the event, you can transfer your race place to someone else at no extra cost, any time before the event closing date, by using the official transfer process outlined in your entry confirmation email or by logging into your Nifty account and choosing transfer my entry. Race places are not transferable between events or years.
You will be able to cancel your entry and receive a full refund (including any added extras at the time of registration), within 14 days of your purchase. As stated in our Terms and Conditions of entry, we will deduct a £5.00 administration fee from all refunds.
Notice of withdrawal from the event must be communicated by emailing [email protected] stating clearly the desire to withdraw and putting the word WITHDRAWAL in the subject line of the email. Withdrawals will not be accepted by telephone or post.
Refunds will not be issued under any circumstances after 14 days of purchase, if you enter a race within four weeks of race day or if the race sells out of general entries within 14 days of your entry. Participants can withdraw at any point prior to the race with no refund.
If you have entered the race using a transfer from another runner, we are unable to offer you the 14 day refund period, as you have not made a payment to us.
You will be able to cancel your entry and receive a full refund (including any added extras at the time of registration), within 14 days of your purchase. As stated in our Terms and Conditions of entry, we will deduct a £5.00 administration fee from all refunds.
Notice of withdrawal from the event must be communicated by emailing [email protected] stating clearly the desire to withdraw and putting the word WITHDRAWAL in the subject line of the email. Withdrawals will not be accepted by telephone or post.
Refunds will not be issued under any circumstances after 14 days of purchase, if you enter a race within four weeks of race day or if the race sells out of general entries within 14 days of your entry. Participants can withdraw at any point prior to the race with no refund.
If you have entered the race using a transfer from another runner, we are unable to offer you the 14 day refund period, as you have not made a payment to us.
If You Enter as a Green Runner, You Will NOT Receive a Finisher's Medal, T-Shirt & Goody Bag. Instead the Cost of These Items Will Be Donated to Our Official Race Charity Hope House Children's Hospices. This Will Help Us Reduce Waste and Support Our Local Race Charity. Your Race Number Will Clearly Show You Are a Green Runner So You Can Collect Your Water at the Finish.
Baggage Storage
We will have Baggage Store for this event, opening at 07:30 for bag drop off, and again at 11:15 - 16:00 for collection.
Your baggage label is on the bottom of your race number. Please attach the baggage label securely to your bag. Your race number is needed to retrieve your bag.
Please don’t leave valuable or breakable items in baggage storage. Although baggage will be kept secure during the race and manned at all times, items are left at your own risk. The organisers will not be held responsible for any damage or loss.
Hoodie Collection
Hoodie collection will be from Help Desk on both Saturday and Sunday of race weekend. Don't forget to collect yours, if you pre-ordered one, after the race on race day.
Drinks
Drinks stations will be at every 2.5 to 3 miles; there will be 330ml Sports Cap Brecon Caregg bottled water at all 9 stations, with High5 Energy Gel Aqua available on the route. There will be bands, music and entertainment along the way to entertain the crowds and runners. If any bands are interested in joining us please email [email protected].
The drink stations for the event are as follows:
Start - Brecon Carreg & Toilets
DS 1 - 3.6 miles Brecon Carreg & Toilets
DS 2 - 7.1 miles Brecon Carreg, High 5 gels & Toilets
DS 3 - 9.9 miles Brecon Carreg & Toilets
DS 4 - 12.8 miles Brecon Carreg, High 5 gels & Toilets
DS 5 - 15.5 miles Brecon Carreg & Toilets
DS 6 - 18.5 miles miles Brecon Carreg, High 5 gels & Toilets
DS 7 - 20.7 miles Brecon Carreg, High 5 gels & Toilets
DS 8 - 22.6 miles Brecon Carreg, High 5 gels & Toilets
DS 9 - 24.7 miles Brecon Carreg & Toilets
Finish - 26.2 miles Brecon Carreg & Toilets
We will have chip timing with intermediate splits at 10k, 20k, 30k and 40k, with social media athlete tracking so friends and family can follow your progress.
Finisher Goodies
All finishers will receive a quality goody bag, as well as a long sleeved technical T-shirt and a bespoke medal.
We will have Baggage Store for this event, opening at 07:30 for bag drop off, and again at 11:15 - 16:00 for collection.
Your baggage label is on the bottom of your race number. Please attach the baggage label securely to your bag. Your race number is needed to retrieve your bag.
Please don’t leave valuable or breakable items in baggage storage. Although baggage will be kept secure during the race and manned at all times, items are left at your own risk. The organisers will not be held responsible for any damage or loss.
Hoodie Collection
Hoodie collection will be from Help Desk on both Saturday and Sunday of race weekend. Don't forget to collect yours, if you pre-ordered one, after the race on race day.
Drinks
Drinks stations will be at every 2.5 to 3 miles; there will be 330ml Sports Cap Brecon Caregg bottled water at all 9 stations, with High5 Energy Gel Aqua available on the route. There will be bands, music and entertainment along the way to entertain the crowds and runners. If any bands are interested in joining us please email [email protected].
The drink stations for the event are as follows:
Start - Brecon Carreg & Toilets
DS 1 - 3.6 miles Brecon Carreg & Toilets
DS 2 - 7.1 miles Brecon Carreg, High 5 gels & Toilets
DS 3 - 9.9 miles Brecon Carreg & Toilets
DS 4 - 12.8 miles Brecon Carreg, High 5 gels & Toilets
DS 5 - 15.5 miles Brecon Carreg & Toilets
DS 6 - 18.5 miles miles Brecon Carreg, High 5 gels & Toilets
DS 7 - 20.7 miles Brecon Carreg, High 5 gels & Toilets
DS 8 - 22.6 miles Brecon Carreg, High 5 gels & Toilets
DS 9 - 24.7 miles Brecon Carreg & Toilets
Finish - 26.2 miles Brecon Carreg & Toilets
We will have chip timing with intermediate splits at 10k, 20k, 30k and 40k, with social media athlete tracking so friends and family can follow your progress.
Finisher Goodies
All finishers will receive a quality goody bag, as well as a long sleeved technical T-shirt and a bespoke medal.
The course for the MBNA Chester Marathon and Metric Marathon is wholly within closed roads to provide the best experience for competitors and to maximise their safety. This means that some parts of the course will be difficult to access by spectators who will have to park in a convenient and safe place and walk to the course. Anyone parking a car near to the course, please do so in a responsible and considerate manner.
If friends and family want to travel around the course, please make sure that you are fully aware of the race route and know in advance how to reach your intended supporting points taking into account the road closures.
It you want to watch the marathon, the best spots are in the villages of Holt and Farndon, both of which have places to eat and drink while you spectate. To avoid the road closures access the A534 from the A41 southbound (towards Whitchurch) turning right at Broxton roundabout; or from the A483 southbound (towards Wrexham), turning left at junction 7 (A5156). The metric marathon doesn't pass through Holt and Farndon.
If you’re not familiar with the local road network there are great places to watch and cheer runners in the City just after the start. If you head off straight after the start you can cheer runners on Eastgate Street (for both races) or at the Old Dee Bridge (marathon runners). Towards the end of the race supporters of both races can stake claim on a prime position to cheer the finishers.
Start
CH1 2LY
09:00 & 10:00
Vehicle Access prior to 07:30. The car park closes at 07:30 and will reopen about 11:00.
City Centre
09:10 to 10:45
Walk from the Racecourse. Lots of food and drink available nearby.
Holt (LL13 9YG) and Farndon (CH3 6PU)
10:20 to 13:10
This is just after halfway on the marathon course. Please be mindful of road closures and parking suspensions. (Marathon only)
Finish
11:20 to 15:00
Be there to cheer on all the finishers!
If friends and family want to travel around the course, please make sure that you are fully aware of the race route and know in advance how to reach your intended supporting points taking into account the road closures.
It you want to watch the marathon, the best spots are in the villages of Holt and Farndon, both of which have places to eat and drink while you spectate. To avoid the road closures access the A534 from the A41 southbound (towards Whitchurch) turning right at Broxton roundabout; or from the A483 southbound (towards Wrexham), turning left at junction 7 (A5156). The metric marathon doesn't pass through Holt and Farndon.
If you’re not familiar with the local road network there are great places to watch and cheer runners in the City just after the start. If you head off straight after the start you can cheer runners on Eastgate Street (for both races) or at the Old Dee Bridge (marathon runners). Towards the end of the race supporters of both races can stake claim on a prime position to cheer the finishers.
Start
CH1 2LY
09:00 & 10:00
Vehicle Access prior to 07:30. The car park closes at 07:30 and will reopen about 11:00.
City Centre
09:10 to 10:45
Walk from the Racecourse. Lots of food and drink available nearby.
Holt (LL13 9YG) and Farndon (CH3 6PU)
10:20 to 13:10
This is just after halfway on the marathon course. Please be mindful of road closures and parking suspensions. (Marathon only)
Finish
11:20 to 15:00
Be there to cheer on all the finishers!
Event video
Organiser's description
We are looking forward to the 15th 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.
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.
Location
Racecourse, New Crane Street, Chester, CH1 2LY, United Kingdom
MBNA Chester Marathon
AL
Active Leisure Events Ltd
The home of the multi award-winning and UK's Best Marathon Up To 5,000 Runners 2018, 2019 & 2020, the MBNA Chester Marathon, one of the UK's longest running and award-winning half marathons, the Essar Chester Half Marathon and the sell-out City Centre MBNA Chester 10K.
On Find a Race
Since
2015
Events
30+
Avg. review
4.9
