The 2025 MBNA Chester Marathon will take place on 5th October starting at 09:00

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The multi-award winning and sell-out MBNA Chester Marathon will return 5^th October 2025. With being the 6^th largest marathon in the UK and 3x time winner of the UK’s Best Marathon. It is also the only marathon in the UK that spans across both England and Wales, taking in the beautiful landscapes and villages they both have to offer. 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 will once again host the England Athletics Age Group Masters Marathon Championship this year, more details on how you can qualify can be found here.

We're a qualifying race for the Abbott WMM Age Group World Championships! Check out how it works 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 on Castle Drive. The support in the villages and communities along the course is one of the many highlights of the race.

Baggage Storage

We will have Baggage Store for this event, opening at 07:30 for bag drop off, and again at 11:15 - 16:00 for collection.

Your baggage label is on the bottom of your race number. Please attach the baggage label securely to your bag. Your race number is needed to retrieve your bag.

Please don’t leave valuable or breakable items in baggage storage. Although baggage will be kept secure during the race and manned at all times, items are left at your own risk. The organisers will not be held responsible for any damage or loss.

Hoodie Collection

Hoodie collection will be from Help Desk on both Saturday and Sunday of race weekend. Don't forget to collect yours, if you pre-ordered one, after the race on race day.

Drinks

Drinks stations will be at every 2.5 to 3 miles; there will be 330ml Brecon Caregg bottled water at all 9 stations, with 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.

The drink stations for the event are as follows:

Start - Brecon Carreg & Toilets
DS 1 - 3.6 miles Brecon Carreg & Toilets
DS 2 - 7.1 miles Brecon Carreg, High 5 gels & Toilets
DS 3 - 9.9 miles Brecon Carreg & Toilets
DS 4 - 12.8 miles Brecon Carreg, High 5 gels & Toilets
DS 5 - 15.5 miles Brecon Carreg & Toilets 
DS 6 - 18.5 miles miles Brecon Carreg, High 5 gels & Toilets
DS 7 - 20.7 miles Brecon Carreg, High 5 gels & Toilets
DS 8 - 22.6 miles Brecon Carreg, High 5 gels & Toilets
DS 9 - 24.7 miles Brecon Carreg & Toilets
Finish - 26.2 miles Brecon Carreg & Toilets

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.