Sun 17 May 2026 Chester, Cheshire, UK

Essar Chester Half Marathon and Fun Run

One of the UK’s longest established and most highly regarded half marathons, starting and finishing in this historic Roman/Medieval city. Come and celebrate over 40 years of running in Chester!

2 races

  • Sun 17 May 2026
  • #1 of 2
Chester Racecourse, Chester > Chester Town Hall, Chester

Half Marathon

09:00

Age 17 & over

£38.40-£52

  • 13.1 miles road running + 355 ft ascent
  • Sun 17 May 2026
  • #2 of 2
Chester Racecourse, Chester

Fun Run

09:20

All ages

£10

  • 1 mile road running

Event overview

Whatever your reason for running, you'll be supported all the way to achieve half marathon greatness!

All abilities, ages and speeds are welcome in the award winning, Essar Chester Half Marathon. 2026 marks the 44th edition of this historic race!

It’s the second event of the Chester Triple Series (for an extra challenge medal) and the event will host the England Athletics and Welsh Athletics Age Group Masters Half Marathon Championship too.

Runners will enjoy a combination of city centre sights and rural villages on a fast and largely flat route which will be run entirely on closed roads, combined with friendliness and personal touches which are unique to this event series. A Fun Run makes the day exciting and inclusive for all abilities!

Event details

  • Average fitness
  • Event village
  • Families
  • Fancy dress
  • Newcomers
  • Spectators
  • Traders at event

Location

  • Bag storage
  • Entertainment
  • Music
  • Paid parking
  • Rural
  • Toilets
  • Urban

Sustainability

  • Public transport links

Charity places

Charity places are also available in this event. Secure your place now with one of our charity partners.

Get charity place

Races at event

  • Sun 17 May 2026
  • #1 of 2
Chester Racecourse, Chester > Chester Town Hall, Chester

Half Marathon

09:00

Age 17 & over

£38.40-£52

  • 13.1 miles road running + 355 ft ascent
  • Sun 17 May 2026
  • #2 of 2
Chester Racecourse, Chester

Fun Run

09:20

All ages

£10

  • 1 mile road running