The Chester Marathon stands out as one of the best marathons in the UK, known for its scenic route, community spirit, and outstanding organisation. With similarities to my hometown of York, Chester’s Roman walls and beautiful architecture make this marathon one to remember. Whether you’re choosing your first marathon or adding another medal to your collection, here’s my full Chester Marathon review to help you decide if it’s right for you.
Why Run the Chester Marathon?
1. A Scenic and Historic Route
The Chester Marathon route is one of the most picturesque in the UK. Runners pass the Roman walls, the Old Dee Bridge, and the River Dee, combining historic sights with peaceful rural roads. The mix of urban and countryside running makes it an enjoyable and varied marathon for all abilities.
2. Excellent Organisation
One thing that makes this event stand out is how smoothly everything runs. The pre-race communication is clear, race-day logistics are straightforward, and the volunteers are friendly and efficient. There’s a well-marked one-way system to reach the racecourse, and parking costs around £4, making it simple to plan your morning.
3. Amazing Community Spirit
Local support is second to none. Crowds gather at key spots along the route, especially through the villages and countryside, creating an uplifting atmosphere. The encouragement from spectators and volunteers keeps your motivation high when the miles start to feel tough.
Voted the UK’s best marathon for races with up to 5,000 runners in both 2018 and 2019, the Chester Marathon is more than just a race, it’s an experience. Starting at the Chester Racecourse, runners weave through iconic landmarks and head into the Cheshire countryside, even crossing briefly into North Wales. The finish line along the River Dee in Grosvenor Park provides a stunning backdrop to complete your 26.2 miles.
Preparing for the Chester Marathon
Getting There
Chester is well connected by road and rail, and the racecourse is easy to find. If you’re driving, follow the race-day one-way system and arrive early to secure parking and soak up the atmosphere.
Facilities
The event organisers do a brilliant job of keeping things comfortable. There are plenty of toilets, clear signage, and friendly marshals ready to help. On my race day, the weather was ideal for marathon running, cool with light showers, which kept conditions perfect.
Start Line Organisation
While there were no pacers this year to reduce congestion, the start pens were well organised by estimated finish times. Choose your pen carefully so you’re running alongside others at a similar pace. I joined the 4:30 group, planning to enjoy the course rather than chase a PB.
The Race Experience
The Chester Marathon course blends the excitement of city running with the calm of country roads. After leaving the racecourse, runners pass through Chester’s Roman landmarks before heading out into rural Cheshire and over the border into Wales.
Expect a few rolling hills in the second half of the race, particularly around Mile 24 when you climb back towards the city. It’s tough, but the roar of the crowd near the finish gives you that final push.
Along the way, the volunteers are incredible, offering encouragement and efficient water stations. I loved chatting with other runners during the quieter stretches, which helped the miles fly by.
Crossing the Finish Line
The finish area is well laid out, with plenty of space to collect your medal and refuel. Every finisher receives a long-sleeved technical top, a generous goody bag, and a beautifully designed medal to mark the achievement. It’s a lovely touch that makes you feel appreciated for your effort.
Should You Run the Chester Marathon?
The Chester Marathon is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a friendly, well-organised event with a scenic course and great value for money. It offers the charm of a smaller marathon but with the support and energy of a major race.
Despite clashing with the London Marathon this year, Chester delivers its own magic with stunning scenery, supportive crowds, and a welcoming vibe that makes it a must-run event on the UK marathon calendar.
Thinking of running Chester Marathon next year? Visit the official Chester Marathon website for dates and registration details.
Things to Do in Chester After the Marathon
If you’re staying for the weekend, Chester is full of great places to explore and relax post-race:
- Walk the Roman Walls: A perfect way to stretch your legs and take in the city’s history.
- Visit Chester Zoo: One of the UK’s most popular attractions, ideal if you’re making it a family trip.
- Relax by the River Dee: Enjoy a gentle walk or sit by the water to unwind.
- Treat Yourself to Brunch: I recommend Jaunty Goat for great coffee and brunch.
- Explore Chester Cathedral: A peaceful, historic spot that’s well worth a visit.
Train Smart for the Chester Marathon
If you’re planning to run the Chester Marathon next year, having the right marathon training plan can make all the difference. I’ve been using the Runna app for my training, and it’s completely changed how I prepare for races.
Runna creates personalised running plans tailored to your current fitness level, goals, and race distance. Whether you’re tackling your first marathon or aiming for a new PB, it helps you train smarter and stay consistent. The app includes expert coaching advice, strength workouts, and pacing guidance so you know exactly how to train for a marathon and reach the start line feeling ready.
You can even get a free trial and two weeks off your plan with my code RWR2. Just head to runna.com and enter the code when you sign up.
