Elite Athletes
Elite runners are invited to apply to enter the race as part of our Elite start.
To be eligible to run as an elite in the 2025 MBNA Chester Marathon, you need to have achieved the following times since 1st January 2024:
• Men sub 2:45
• Women sub 3:15
Elites who have run faster than 2:30 (men) 3:00 (women) since 1st January 2024 will qualify for a free place. To apply for an elite place please email our help desk with details of your qualifying time and a link to results on the race organiser's website.
For our elite runners we are offering the following package
- Front pen for elites at the start of the race
- Pre-race elite athletes area near to the starting line
- Pre race water
- Dedicated toilets by the elites area
- Transfer of baggage from elites area to main baggage storage ready for collection
- Post race buffet in the elites area
All athletes are eligible for our cash prizes.
We are a race organised by runners and are determined to deliver a race which will maintain its reputation as the UK's favourite marathon.
Never miss our training runs or special offers!
Race Record
The route is renowned for being fast and largely flat – more than 70% of our runners achieve PBs!
Men
2:20:26
David Bishop in 2022
Women
2:40:26
Julie Briscoe in 2013
2023 Marathon Results
Men
1st | Marshall Smith (Ashford AC) | 2:21:32 |
2nd | Jack Nixon (Saint Edmund Pacers) | 2:24:28 |
3rd | Blair McWhirter (Saint Edmund Pacers) | 2:27:48 |
Women
1st | Naomi Mitchell (Reading AC) | 2:41:21 |
2nd | Melissa Gibson (Ealing Eagles Running Club) | 2:43:32 |
3rd | Morven Goodrem | 2:44:57 |
Volunteer
As with all such events, our events would not be possible without the help of a huge team of volunteers.
Find out more.