MBNA Chester Marathon
SUNDAY 11TH OCTOBER 2026
The multi-award winning and sell-out MBNA Chester Marathon will return on 11th October 2026. We have developed an enviable reputation with runners of all levels and abilities. As the 5th largest marathon in the UK and 3x time winner of the UK’s Best Marathon, it is also the only marathon in the UK that spans across both England and Wales. The route takes in the beautiful surrounding landscapes and villages that both countries have to offer.
Race Info
Top Flight Wave – MBNA Chester Marathon – Sunday 11th October 2026
Address – Chester Racecourse
Event Times – 09.00am
Top Flight Series & MBNA Chester Marathon Prize Structure
The winner of MBNA Chester Marathon receives 25 points, the second-place finisher 18 points, with 15, 12, 10, 8, 6, 4, 2 and 1 points for 3-10th towards their Top Flight Races series points total.
The MBNA Chester Marathon CASH prizes for Men and Women’s races (Gun Time Only) are as follows:
1st £1,000
2nd £750
3rd £500
4th £250
5th £150
Additional Time Bonus For Winner Only
£500
Men sub 2h20m00 Women sub 2h35m00
Master Categories
The first male and female finisher in each 5 year age group from 35-39 onwards:
£50
NB If a runner wins a prize in more than one category, the prize of the higher value will be awarded.
Course Records (no additional CR bonus due to time-bonuses)
2h16m59 Marshal Smith (2024) 2h40m26 Julie Briscoe (2013)
Top Flight Elite Wave Entry Standards:
Men: Sub 35:00 (10k) 1h15:00 (HM) 2h45:00 (Mar)
Women: Sub 40:00 (10k) 1h30:00 (HM) 3h15:00 (Mar)
Free Elite Entry Standards:
Men: Sub 32:30 (10k) 1h12:00 (HM) 2h30:00 (Mar)
Women: Sub 37:00 (10k) 1h20:00 (HM) 3h00:00 (Mar)
Entries will be assessed against performances achieved within the last 2 years, including equivalent standards over other distances, track results, and notable cross-country performances. Please add a note to your entry to highlight any results you’d like us to consider.
To apply for an elite place please email using the link below with details of your qualifying time and a link to your Power of 10 & World Athletics Profile or results on the race organiser’s website.
All other entries should be submitted via the main event page linked below:
Course profile
Please refer to this webpage for full details regarding Top Flight Prize Structure and Terms & Conditions of entry acceptance.
https://www.topflightraces.com/elite-prize-structure/
All information subject to change including entry & prizemoney standards.