At Chester, we were one of the first race events to host a UK-based Metric Marathon back in 2014, so we’re now fully-fledged experts at this distance.

We launched the MBNA Metric Marathon for many reasons which we’ll share in this article. It really is a great achievable distance that anyone can train and work towards.

What is a Metric Marathon?

It is exactly what its name describes so instead of running the imperial 26.2 miles of a standard marathon, you run the metric 26.2 kilometres (16.3 miles) instead.

In runner’s terms. Think of the distance as a half marathon (13 miles) plus a park run tagged on the end (5K or 3.1 miles)

Why is the MBNA Chester Metric Marathon so special?

We held the first event of its kind and are now the longest-running Metric Marathon in the UK. The course takes you through the stunning streets of Chester and the beautiful rolling Cheshire countryside. The varied scenery keeps your eyes interested and in turn your legs motivated!

The MBNA Chester Metric Marathon starts after the main marathon however it joins the marathon route halfway through. This provides an incredible race experience and a spectacular finish with crowds of spectators lining both sides of the finishing straight.

Here are some great reasons why you should sign up and run the MBNA Chester Metric Marathon

• It is the perfect and less daunting distance to start your marathon journey, especially for newer runners or those training to increase their race miles.
• It is an achievable stepping stone from the Half Marathon to the full Marathon.
• The Metric Marathon is a born motivator ‘it a carrot – with a fabulous medal, goodie bag and finisher’s shirt’ as well as a spectacle of an event to build your confidence and achieve more.
• The Metric Marathon is ideal for runners training for a marathon. It provides you with more race day miles, in a race environment to track, monitor and review your marathon training and running goals.
• For a more experienced marathon runner, it is a good ‘return from injury or some time off’. More miles than a half marathon, yet less pressure and physical exertion of a full 26.2 miles
• A Metric Marathon is a tough challenge, so great for those fundraising or running for charity (the further the distance the more the chance of sponsors)
• Once you’ve completed a Metric Marathon you’ve got automatic bragging rights as a marathon runner. We’re confident it will also give you the extra confidence and determination to take on the big one, the MBNA Chester Marathon the following year!

Taking on and completing the MBNA Chester Metric Marathon will put you in a very exclusive club as there are not many Metric Marathon race events held across the UK. The fact every year this popular race event is a sell-out only further adds to the exclusivity.