2026 MBNA Chester Marathon

Join us at the 2026 MBNA Chester Marathon - 11th October 2026 

The MBNA Chester Marathon is the 5th largest Marathon in the UK, 3x winner of the UK's best marathon, Racecheck GOLD rated event and home to the England & Welsh Athletics Age Group Masters Championships.

All abilities, ages, fun and charity runners are welcome.

The event boasts a lively city centre start and finish, with a route that passes all Chester's iconic landmarks, then heads out into the Cheshire & North Wales countryside, before returning along the banks of the River Dee for an unforgettable finish and all the enthusiasm you could ask for from the Cestrian supporters who line the course to cheer you on.

WHATEVER YOUR REASON FOR RUNNING, WE'RE HERE TO HELP YOU ACHIEVE GREATNESS

Before race day you'll receive:

Access to training plans to support your running journey

Support and advice, including free training runs to keep you motivated

Your personalised race pack including your race number and timing chip sent to you in the post (runners from outside the UK need to collect their race numbers from our Help Desk on race weekend)

Exclusive offers and competitions from our sponsors right from the moment you sign up

Access to our friendly and supportive social community on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, who are happy to answer any of your running queries, including past and present pacers

FREE runner to runner transfers - should you no longer be able to take part

ON RACE DAY you'll experience all the fitness and mental health benefits associated with running, plus you'll get:

A special long sleeve quarter zip technical T-shirt, bespoke medal and a  goody bag packed with post race nutrition when you finish

Cash prizes awarded for the top 5 men and women and the winners of each age group

Access to our runners Help Desk for any last minute queries or transfers

On course hydration and nutrition for refuelling 

Lots of medical support throughout the course should you need assistance

Access to our tracking website so all your supporters can track your live progress