The walls are full! Chester's famous Boxing Day running tradition has attracted 600 entries for 2026, with every place snapped up weeks before the starting gun. The Chester Round the Walls Race returns on Saturday 26 December, continuing a remarkable sporting tradition that began in 1972.

Organised by West Cheshire Athletic Club, the event has become a much loved fixture on the Christmas running calendar. Last year's race produced 500 finishers, with Chris Larkin of Helsby winning in 20:18 and Izzy Gelder of Mornington Chasers taking the women's title in 24:23.

But the real attraction is the course itself. Starting at Chester Racecourse, known as the Roodee, runners complete an opening circuit before heading towards the River Dee. The route follows the riverside path beneath Grosvenor Bridge, then climbs onto Chester's historic city walls for an anticlockwise journey around one of Britain's most distinctive urban landmarks.

Along the way, competitors pass over the famous Eastgate Clock before descending the steps at Nuns Road and returning to the racecourse. The final stretch takes runners past the grandstand and onto the grass for a finish at the Roodee, England's oldest racecourse still in use.

At approximately 6K, it's an unusual distance that offers a different challenge from the familiar 5K or 10K. The combination of historic surroundings, varied surfaces and a festive atmosphere has helped the race maintain its popularity for more than five decades.

The 2026 event starts at 10:30am, with prizes for the leading five men and women alongside numerous age category awards. Every finisher will also receive a commemorative item.

With entries already closed and 600 runners on the start list, Chester looks set for another memorable Boxing Day. 

Runners and spectators can find further event information through the runABC Race Hub.

Image courtesy Chester Round The Walls Race on Facebook.