Are you one of the many marathon hopefuls who missed out on the London Marathon ballot? Does the lure of a 26.2 miler still taunt you? Do you need something to work towards later in the year so that your summer isn't spent lazing in beer gardens and gorging on BBQs and ice cream? (Ed: as good as that sounds!).

If you've answered yes to any of the above then one of the north west's top distance events should be on your radar, as the MBNA Chester Marathon makes its return for 2022 on 2 October.
 
The award-winning Chester Marathon and Metric Marathon is one of the friendliest autumn races around - suitable for first time runners, fun runners and competitive runners alike. This is an event which has been voted the UK's best marathon (up to 5,000 runners) at the 2018, 2019 and 2020 National Running Awards! That's pretty impressive.

This is also a race that boasts what organisers term an 'epic route'. Runners will enjoy a lively City Centre start and pass all of Chester's iconic landmarks as well as enjoying the rolling countryside of Cheshire and North Wales. All of this before a return run along the banks of the River Dee - sounds perfect!

The unforgettable finish includes a stunning straight near Chester Castle with supporters cheering on both sides of the street. An amazing end, to an amazing run.

If the marathon distance just seems a little too far a stretch, then why not choose to run the Metric Marathon instead? This is the perfect choice as a first 'marathon' (26.2 kilometres), and there is definitely still time to train for this between now and race day.

Enter now to take advantage of standard entry fee (which closes 31 July 2022). You can enter the marathon here and the metric marathon here.

Image: Active Leisure Events