The course for the MBNA Chester Marathon and Metric Marathon is wholly within closed roads to provide the best experience for competitors and to maximise their safety. This means that some parts of the course will be difficult to access by spectators who will have to park in a convenient and safe place and walk to the course. Anyone parking a car near to the course, please do so in a responsible and considerate manner.

If friends and family want to travel around the course, please make sure that you are fully aware of the race route and know in advance how to reach your intended supporting points taking into account the road closures.

It you want to watch the marathon, the best spots are in the villages of Holt and Farndon, both of which have places to eat and drink while you spectate. To avoid the road closures access the A534 from the A41 southbound (towards Whitchurch) turning right at Broxton roundabout; or from the A483 southbound (towards Wrexham), turning left at junction 7 (A5156). The metric marathon doesn’t pass through Holt and Farndon.

If you’re not familiar with the local road network there are great places to watch and cheer runners in the City just after the start. If you head off straight after the start you can cheer runners on Eastgate Street (for both races) or at the Old Dee Bridge (marathon runners). Towards the end of the race supporters of both races can stake claim on a prime position to cheer the finishers.

Recommended Spectator Locations

Location Times Information
Start
CH1 2LY		 09:00 & 10:00 Vehicle Access prior to 07:30. The car park closes at 07:30 and will reopen about 11:00.
City Centre 09:10 to   10:45 Walk from the Racecourse. Lots of food and drink available nearby.
Finish 11:20 to 15:00 Be there to cheer on all the finishers!