Chester Marathon - Race Reviews

The marathon starts and finishes within the boundaries of Chester race-course, and all the usual facilities are easily accessible (apart from post-run showers). There are no start pens, but time indicators and pacers at appropriate positions, however that does not keep some slower runners from getting near the front! Everything you'd want from a marathon: on-line entry, chip-backed numbers through the post, help-desk open on the Saturday, baggage-drop tent well staffed, plenty of toilets. That all helps to get you to the start line in a good frame of mind (a changing tent could be useful in less-favourable weather). Then the run itself was slightly challenging but interesting enough; city, villages, lanes, riverside...and well marshalled. The drinks stations were exactly as advertised and expertly staffed. Support was patchy, but very enthusiastic in support areas. Clear signage at the finish, and logical sequence for medal, goody bag, water and t-shirt (long-sleeved). Massage tent, post-marathon, and food/drinks available inside the race-course buildings. The timing-mats at 10k intervals provided plenty of data (including positions) for post-race analysis. Results and photos up on-line very early. This event was used for the Masters' Champs so there was plenty of competition, but there were many first-timers as well. Towards the end of the marathon the same course is used for the metric marathon, so there was an increased number of runners along that section, but it was never too crowded. Recommended without reservation.