Chester Metric Marathon

The Chester Metric Marathon is a 26.6 km race starting and finishing in Chester city centre. It is the UK's original metric marathon, part of the MBNA Chester Marathon weekend, which has received the UK's best marathon award three consecutive times. This distance offers half marathon runners a longer goal without requiring a full marathon commitment. The route begins among Chester's landmarks, proceeds into the Cheshire countryside, and merges with the full marathon field before returning along the River Dee. It sells out annually, typically featuring runners using it as a significant step towards marathon distance. Local supporters line the course, particularly as runners approach the city centre finish.