MBNA Chester Marathon

The MBNA Chester Marathon is the UK's only international marathon, starting and finishing in the historic Roman and medieval walled city of Chester. Runners begin inside Chester Racecourse, pass beneath the city's Roman walls, cathedral, medieval Rows, and the Eastgate Clock, then head out through the Cheshire countryside across the England-Wales border into North Wales before returning along the banks of the River Dee to finish on Castle Drive in the city centre. Roughly 19 miles of the course lie in England and 7 miles in Wales. Long-time title sponsor MBNA has backed the race since 2013, and the event has been voted the UK's Best Marathon on multiple occasions. Held annually in October, it draws a strong field of club and charity runners and regularly sells out, with a waiting list once general entries close.