Sun 17 May 2026 Chester, Cheshire, UK

Essar Chester Half Marathon

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!

Enter now Charity places
  • Sun 17 May 2026
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

Event overview

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

This event is part of Essar Chester Half Marathon and Fun Run.

Event community

Cara L.

Cara L.

View team

Event details

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

Location

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

Route

  • Cut off time
  • Distance markers
  • Entertainment
  • First aid
  • Food stations
  • Marshals
  • Mass start
  • PB
  • Point to point
  • Single start
  • Sweeper
  • Toilets
  • Traffic free
  • Undulating
  • Water stations

Sustainability

  • Public transport links

What's included

  • Cash prizes
  • Certificate
  • Chip timing
  • Goody bag
  • iTAB
  • Map
  • Massage
  • Medal
  • Pre-event training sessions
  • Race photo
  • Technical t-shirt
  • Training plan

Do it for charity

Looking to do this event for charity? Charity entry options are explained on the Chester Half Marathon charity places for 2026 page.

Social welfare

Victim Support

Where people affected by crime or traumatic events get the support they need and the respect they deserve.

  • T-shirt
  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Dedicated contact
Charity place

Get a place from the charity.

Sign up
£20

Fundraise
£300

Cancer

The Childhood Eye Cancer Trust

Offering support, advice and information to UK families affected by retinoblastoma.

  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Dedicated contact
Charity place

Get a place from the charity.

Sign up
£20

Fundraise
£350

Cancer

The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity

Pioneering new cancer treatments to create a future beyond cancer.

  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Training plan
  • Dedicated contact
  • Certificate
Charity place

Get a place from the charity.

Sign up
£15

Fundraise
£350

Entries

  • Age 17 & over
  • Entries open
  • Collect race pack
  • Enter online
  • Event merch available
  • Insurance available
  • Race pack by post
  • Series discount
Enter now
4 steps to wellbeing
Sleep well

A good night's sleep is an essential foundation for a healthy lifestyle, effective training and weight control.

Train slow

Low-intensity training is easier for you, reduces the risk of injury and helps builds an efficient aerobic system.

Eat natural

Cut out sugar & junk food, reduce carbs, eat natural foods and train your body to burn fat for fuel.

Get outdoors

Fresh air, natural light and reconnecting with nature all help to improve mental and physical wellbeing.