CHESTER Marathon
RACE INFORMATION
The 2024 MBNA Chester Marathon will take place on 6th October starting at 09:00
The multi-award winning and three time winner of the UK’s Best Marathon Up to 5,000 Runners 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.
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.
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.
BAGGAGE STORAGE
Baggage Store opens 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.
DRINKS
Drinks stations will be at every 2.5 to 3 miles; there will be 330ml Sports Cap 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 [email protected].
DRINK STATION LOCATIONS
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 – 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
CHIP TIMING
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.
PRIZES
Cash prizes will be awarded for the top 5 male and female runners as shown below. All prizes will be based on gun time.
| 1st place | £1,000 |
| 2nd place | £750 |
| 3rd place | £500 |
| 4th place | £250 |
| 5th place | £150 |
In addition to these prizes we are offering a £500 bonus to the first man to break 2 hours 20 minutes and woman to break 2 hours 35 minutes
Prizes are also awarded for the first male and female winners of each age group category 35-39 onwards (£50)
If a runner wins a prize in more than one category, the prize of the higher value will be awarded.
Team Club prizes based on cumulative times:
| Men | 1st 4 runners | £100 |
| Women | 1st 3 runners | £75 |
FINISHER GOODIES
All standard entry finishers will receive a quality goody bag, as well as a long sleeved technical T-shirt and a bespoke medal. Green Runner finishers have opted to not receive these items and donate the cost associated with them to our official race charity.
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.
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.
If you have any questions, please contact us at [email protected]