The good bag at the end was amazing. You also got a free 1/4 zip long sleeve and nice medal. The photos are also free as it seems to be affiliated with runthrough, but being runthrough they are not the best. The course is a bit dull in my opinion. The start and finish being in Chester is great but that only covers a few miles. The rest is in countryside which I was excited for but it’s all the same. Not much support on the course either because of this, only a few pockets of support throughout. The finish was however very well supported. I don’t personally think it to be hilly, I’ve seen some comments saying how hilly it is, it’s not, I believe it’s similar to Brighton. There is probably two actual hills the rest is absolutely fine with some minor rolling parts. I think it’s a quick course. Water is in water bottles which is great. The start is at the racecourse and you will have to wait and walk across grass so if it’s been raining will be an issue Toilets..I haven’t seen one marathon event where there is enough 😂 Overall, lots of good elements but as the course was ok the dull side with very little support I highly doubt I will be back

Well organised event with well stocked aid stations (water and energy drinks) and plenty of support from volunteers and locals. Great finish with long sleeve tops great to change into after the race and goody bag though full of junk rather than fresh fruit/banana I was hoping for. I marked down the sustainability because of that. My biggest bug is that the race is advertised as flat but it’s nothing but. Over 700m elevation gain packed mostly at the second half 🥵 I would not have entered if I had correct info as I hoped for BQ. Be aware!

our 2nd Chester Marathon- loved it again, both got PB's and mile 24 ish isnt as bad as you think( iykyk) Great organisation and support- it is quiet in rural areas but the atmosphere where supporters can get is amazing. As ever a great top, medal and goodie bag. Loved the fact the race village is now at the finish. Did the Triple this year, the medal for that is fantastic. Well done to all involved

Chester is a stunning small city and easy to get to by plane, train, bus or car. You start, like a mad horse, on the actual horse race course in the city centre. The route is fully closed off. Public support is very vigorous in various areas followed by quieter stretches on a pretty and rural course that enters and exits Wales. Water and gel stations are frequent. This course is NOT flat - Do not belive any claim it is. The finish (back in the city centre by the river) is funnelled into a narrower and narrower space. There's ample room but the crowd gets closer and closer and their noise builds and builds. The finish medal is very, very nice. I did the triple and the extra medal was a really nice big lump of pride in metallic form. The goody bag is literally a full bag of shopping - not adverts. Attractive ladies gave me a very needed cold can of equally attractive Red Bull. The finish area was like a market with many retail stalls and every facility you could want, all with ample sitting and open space for 'the collapsing.' An event that could actually hold more entrants due to how well organised it is from pre-arrival to the finish line. I also don't think Chester residents and businesses would mind at all if walkers were encouraged and the 6 hour chip time extended to facilitate. This is a big marathon with a very local atmosphere. The focus is on fun, health, charities, and not some freak of nature (and training) who can amazingly run 26.2 miles in just over 2 hours. Well done Chester. P.S. the 2 DJ's who turn up every year and from about an hour and a half from the start and untill they call out the name of EVERY finisher - they remain - they are way to lively for people not abusing hard drugs. A special well done to both of them.

My idea of a perfect event. Really well organised, really well supported, amazing city. Quality t-shirt, medal and goody bag. Course is great. Pre race event area spaced out and easy to get to. Finishing mile and finishing eventually area are great. I've done it 2 years on the bounce now and will likely return next year.

My first marathon and I don’t think I could have picked a better place to do it! Such an amazing atmosphere throughout with so many people cheering. Brilliant course and the volunteers were fab. Goody bag and experience at the end was also great. Best goody bag after a race to date! Thanks Chester!

I have have run this marathon previously and it has always been my favourite anywhere. This time I did it as part of the Chester Triple and it was better than ever. The course is fast and the atmosphere is amazing. Organisation is brilliant and I would recommend it to everyone.