Chester, England, United Kingdom
The Chester Marathon attracts about 5,000 finishers each October through England's Roman walled city. The course passes the Eastgate Clock, Chester Cathedral, the Roman walls, and the Dee River on flat Cheshire terrain. October autumn weather and the historic Roman-heritage setting make it one of northwest England's most popular marathons.
Chester Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
The next Chester Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 2 May 2027 with a 9:00 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 100 m of climbing on a mostly flat with gentle undulations layout.
The Chester Marathon is a loop starting and finishing at Chester Racecourse, taking in the Roman walls, Eastgate Clock, Chester Cathedral, and the River Dee. It is mostly flat aside from minor rises near the city walls, and spectators gather at the Roodee and along the walls and river paths.
The Chester Marathon course is mostly flat with gentle undulations over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 100 metres of climbing and 95 metres of descent, with a net climb of 5 metres from start to finish.
The Chester Marathon uses open registration at chestermarathon.co.uk with no ballot or qualifying standard. Sign-up for the October race typically opens early in the year. The fast, flat Cheshire course is popular with UK runners chasing personal bests and London Marathon Good For Age qualifying times.
Race-day footage from the course to help you picture the route, crowds, and key landmarks on marathon day.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
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