Chester Marathon review

The Chester Marathon stands out as a premier running event in the UK, drawing participants with its scenic route, rich history, and exceptional organisation. Having similarities to my hometown of York, Chester boasts stunning Roman walls and beautiful architecture, enhancing the marathon experience. This review will walk you through everything you need to know about this race, which I think is an excellent choice for your next marathon.

Overview of the Chester Marathon

Voted the UK’s best marathon for races with up to 5,000 runners in both 2018 and 2019, the Chester Marathon is not only a race but an experience. The marathon starts at the Chester Racecourse, guiding runners through iconic city landmarks and into the picturesque Cheshire countryside, even crossing into North Wales! The race concludes along the stunning River Dee in Grosvenor Park, offering a perfect backdrop for finishing your marathon.

Why Run the Chester Marathon?

Scenic and Historic Route

One of the key attractions of the Chester Marathon is its beautiful course. Runners experience the charm of Chester, running alongside the historic Roman walls and the River Dee, which adds a unique touch to the race. The blend of urban and rural landscapes creates a varied experience, making it an enjoyable marathon.

Excellent Organisation

The Chester Marathon is known for its superb organisation. From the pre-race information to the on-the-day arrangements, everything is well planned, ensuring a smooth experience for participants. The well-marked one-way system for getting to the racecourse and ample parking (around £4) makes it easy to navigate.

Community Spirit

The support from local crowds and volunteers adds to the motivation of running this marathon. The atmosphere is electric, with enthusiastic spectators cheering you on, particularly in the more scenic countryside sections. This community spirit makes the Chester Marathon an event where you feel connected to both the runners and the local community.

Preparing for the Chester Marathon

Preparation is key for a successful marathon. Here are essential tips to ensure you have a smooth race day experience:

Getting There Navigating to Chester is straightforward. The racecourse is easily accessible, with a well-marked one-way system and ample parking available (around £4). Make sure to arrive early to avoid last-minute stress.

Facilities Chester Marathon excels in providing runner-friendly amenities. Ample toilet facilities are available, allowing you to start the race feeling comfortable. On race day, the weather was perfect—cool with occasional showers—ideal conditions for long-distance running.

Start Line Organisation Though pacers were not available this year to reduce congestion, the starting pens were well-organised by estimated finish times. Choose your pen wisely to match your running pace. I opted for the 4:30 mark, ready to enjoy the experience without a strict time goal.

The Race Experience

The Chester Marathon features a mix of urban and rural landscapes, starting from the racecourse into the vibrant city. The atmosphere was great, with enthusiastic crowds cheering you on as you run through the historic Roman walls and cross the Old Dee Bridge.

As you leave the city, the route transitions to scenic, traffic-free countryside roads, passing notable landmarks like the Duke of Westminster’s estate and moving into Wales through Lavister and Rossett. The terrain can be challenging, with hills emerging particularly in the second half of the race. Expect a steep climb at Mile 24 back into Chester, but the crowd support will motivate you to push through.

Staying in the Moment While music can be a great motivator, consider engaging with fellow runners to enhance your experience. The volunteers along the course are invaluable, providing encouragement and support at water stations.