MBNA Chester Marathon (2026 edition)

The MBNA Chester Marathon (2026 edition) is a long-established, multi-award winning road marathon organised by Active Leisure Events and set in the historic city of Chester. The course is notable for being a cross-border route that covers approximately 19 miles in England and 7 miles in Wales, taking in city landmarks such as the Roman Walls, Cathedral and Eastgate Clock before returning to a riverside finish on Castle Drive. The event is presented as a PB-friendly, closed‑road marathon with chip timing and intermediate splits, and the weekend also features related distances including the Metric Marathon and a Mini Marathon.

Race-day facilities centre on the Event Village at Little Roodee Car Park with baggage drop, on-course aid stations stocked with Brecon Carreg water and High5 gels, medical support and live social-media athlete tracking. The MBNA Chester Marathon is a licensed UK Athletics event and hosts championship and qualifying opportunities, including the England Athletics Age Group Masters Marathon Championship and qualification for the Abbott World Marathon Majors Age Group World Championships. Entries and race information are managed by Active Leisure Events; participants must be aged 18 or over on race day and should consult the organiser for the official athlete guide and the most recent notices to competitors.