Chester Marathon breaks records with 10,000 runners
Thousands of runners and supporters turned out for the record-breaking MBNA Chester Marathon on Sunday, 5 October.
More than 10,000 participants and 50,000 spectators filled the streets of Chester for what organisers described as their best event yet.
Callum Shields, managing director of Active Leisure Events, said: “We are over the moon to have had record interest in our marathon and the accompanying Metric and Mini Marathon. All were total sell outs.”
He added: “A special thank you goes to MBNA, our long-standing title sponsor, whose backing has been central to the marathon’s growth. I’d also like to thank everyone involved in helping us make it such a success, from the runners and the spectators to the sponsors, the rest of the organising team, and most importantly our 800-strong volunteer team and the supportive residents and communities that line the route.”
The MBNA Chester Marathon is now the fifth-largest marathon in the UK and consistently ranks among the top races in Runner’s World.
Dame Denise Lewis DBE, Olympic gold medallist and heptathlete, officially started the race at Chester Racecourse.
She said: “The atmosphere was fantastic at the MBNA Chester Marathon, and what an iconic city it is for people to race in. I loved seeing all the runners taking part, each one with their own story to tell. The organisation was brilliant and the volunteers made it really special; there was a real community feel to the whole day. I particularly loved seeing all the young people taking part in the Mini Marathon. That’s such a great way to inspire young people to stay active and who knows, some of these children could well go on to be Olympians of the future.”
This year’s runners are expected to raise more than £1.5 million for charities, with around £50,000 going to the main race charity, Claire House Children’s Hospice. The hospice supports terminally and seriously ill babies, children, and young adults across Cheshire, Merseyside, and North Wales.
The men’s marathon was won by Joshua Griffiths of Swansea Harriers in 2:17:16, followed by Alex Carter of Team Bath AC (2:17:22) and Conor Sarsfield of Helsby RC (2:17:37).
The women’s race was won by Sammy Antell of Bideford AAC in 2:44:22, ahead of Atsede Gidey of Exmouth Harriers (2:44:22) and Melissah Gibson of the 100 Marathon Club (2:44:59).
The Metric Marathon saw victory for Michael Young of WCAC in 1:30:15, with Sam Stratford of HI Runners (1:33:31) and Daniel Sutton (1:33:43) completing the top three. Sarah Brown of Run Through North took the women’s title in 1:46:28, ahead of Keely Smith of WCAC (1:47:00) and Nicola Cartwright (1:51:58).
Many competitors were also taking part in the Chester Triple Medal challenge, which requires completing the MBNA Chester 10K, the Essar Chester Half Marathon, and either the MBNA Chester Marathon or Metric Marathon in the same year.
Mr Shields said: “Chester can be proud to host what is regarded by many as the best marathon in the UK. Everyone should be proud of their achievements, whether they completed the 26.2 miles of the marathon, 26.2km of the metric marathon or the 1-mile family Mini Marathon. It was a truly inspirational and emotional day for many.”
More than 800 volunteers, including many from MBNA, supported the event by running water stations, assisting along the route, and welcoming finishers with medals and goody bags.
Victoria Dowd, MBNA community investment manager, said: “We’re incredibly proud to once again support the MBNA Chester Marathon, which has grown year-on-year into one of the UK’s most inspiring sporting events.
“To see record numbers of runners, families, volunteers and spectators coming together to create such an electric atmosphere in Chester is really special. Supporting events like this is a core part of MBNA’s commitment to our communities, bringing people together, creating lasting memories and helping incredible charities to continue their vital work. Congratulations to everyone who made 2025 another unforgettable year.”
The next Active Leisure Events fixtures include the MBNA Chester 10K on Sunday, 8 March 2026, and the Essar Chester Half Marathon on 17 May 2026.
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