MBNA Chester Marathon

View all races for Oct 2026

The Chester Marathon is organised by Active Leisure Events and takes place alongside the Metric Marathon and Mini Marathon, creating one of the UK's best known autumn running events. Welcoming runners of different abilities, the event brings together three distances in Chester, with the marathon following a distinctive route through both England and Wales.

The marathon follows a scenic road course through the historic streets of Chester before heading into the Cheshire countryside and crossing the border into North Wales. The 26.2K Metric Marathon provides a shorter road challenge through Chester and the surrounding countryside, while the approximately one mile Mini Marathon gives children, families and other participants the opportunity to take part in the day's running. The full marathon is particularly distinctive as the only UK marathon to span both England and Wales.

Chip timing, on course hydration and nutrition, medical support and enthusiastic spectators support runners throughout the main races. The marathon and Metric Marathon return towards Chester alongside the River Dee before reaching the finish on Castle Drive, creating a memorable conclusion in the heart of the city. With its historic setting, cross border marathon route and choice of distances, the event has become a major fixture in the UK road running calendar.

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