Chester Marathon

The Chester Marathon starts and finishes in Chester city centre, serving as the UK’s only international marathon originating from the city. It is suitable for first-time marathoners, those progressing from a half marathon, club athletes, charity runners, and fun runners, with entries open to all ages and abilities. The event is one of the UK’s larger marathons, attracting up to 5,000 runners, and it also hosts the England and Welsh Athletics age-group masters championship races. The route commences amidst Chester’s Roman and medieval landmarks, proceeds through the Cheshire and North Wales countryside, and returns alongside the River Dee before concluding in the city centre. Local Cestrian supporters line the course, and runner feedback highlights strong organisation and ample water stations. The marathon also concludes the Chester Triple Medal series: participants completing the Chester 10K, Half Marathon, and Marathon within the same year receive an extra-large gold medal.