The 11th MBNA Chester Marathon will take place on 3rd October 2021 at 09:00

The multi-award winning and three time winner of the UK's Best Marathon Up to 5,000 Runners (2018, 2019, 2020) as well as the UK’s only international marathon from the historic Roman/Medieval international destination City of Chester. We have developed an enviable reputation with runners of all levels and abilities. We are runners ourselves and it is our passion to deliver a world class mass participation race. ENTER HERE.

We're a qualifying race for the 2021 Abbott WMM Age Group World Championships! The 2021 world championship venue is yet to be announced. Check out how it works here. 

You can also take part in our 2021 event by Running Your Way. If you are not able to make the 3rd October due to a race clash, injury or prior commitment, click here to enter the Run Your Way MBNA Chester Marathon.

If you have already entered our physical event and would like to transfer to the Run Your Way event, please let us know by contacting info@activeleisureevents.co.uk prior to race day, otherwise you will be treated as not starting the main race (DNS).

Covid-19 Race Entry Guarantee & Our Event Commitments

To provide you with some extra reassurance towards entering our 2021 event, we have created a COVID Race Entry Guarantee and a Covid-19 Event Commitments document which details what will happen if the event is cancelled and how we are planning for a Covid secure event, this can be read here.

Route

You can expect some fast times over this stunning PB marathon course on closed roads covering 19 miles in England and 7 miles in Wales. You will run past all Chester's iconic landmarks (Roman Walls, Cathedral, Medieval Rows,  Eastgate Clock, Amphitheatre) before heading out to the stunning Cheshire and North Wales countryside and villages; returning alongside the River Dee for a unforgettable finish at the Racecourse. The support in the villages and communities along the course is one of the many highlights of the race.

Drinks

Drinks stations will be at every 2.5 to 3 miles; there will be bottled water (with sports caps) at all 9 stations, with Lucozade Sport drink and High5 Energy Gel Aqua available on the route. There will be bands, music and entertainment along the way to entertain the crowds and runners.  If any bands are interested in joining us please email bands@activeleisureevents.co.uk.

Timing

We will have chip timing with intermediate splits at 10k, 20k, 30k and 40k, with social media athlete tracking so friends and family can follow your progress.

Finisher Goodies

All finishers will receive a quality goody bag, as well as a long sleeved technical T-shirt and a bespoke medal.

Mini Marathon

And why should you have all the fun!  Check out the Mini Marathon to inspire the next generation of runners and your young supporters. Click here for more information.

All our races are licensed by UK Athletics and run under their rules. To run the MBNA Chester Marathon you must be at least 18 years old on race day.

You should find all the information you need on the web site and FAQ's. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you would like any additional information.