mbna Chester Marathon  Here's how RW members rated this race (442 votes). 2012 race reviewed by: Ian Mansell 3
 | | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: Quite simply a must marathon to do In full: Last month I ran Wolverhampton marathon which was an absolute shambles with runners going the wrong way as early as 6 miles etc. In the end with all the panic and interruptions in my pace I cramped up in the latter stages and missed out on the sub 2hrs 45 I was aiming for. I entered Chester to redeem myself from that bad race. I made the right choice as the organisation was fantastic. Drinks stations on route were fantastic with choices of water, gels and energy drinks. Toilets were situated on regular points throughout the race. There was so much encouragement from the volunteers cheering your name which was on your number. Bag collection at the end was fantastic with a volunteer giving me my bag as I was walking to the collection point. Talk about service. Course was good. Despite the hills not too many twists and turns making it good pb potential. The scenary on route was excellent. A must do race for beginners and elite. I will definitely be back. Thank you. Date of review: October 7, 2012
|
|
2012 race reviewed by: Nicjwatson
 | | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Excellent marathon in every way! In full: Excellent organisation throughout, brilliant friendly happy marshalls and volunteers who encouraged and cheered everyone on who passed - wished I had entered earlier so my name was printed on my number and I could have it called out too! Loads of drink stations so no need to carry your own (why add the extra weight?), pretty scenery along lanes and closed roads, didnt ever feel crowded so you could run at your own pace throughout. Enjoyed the finish into the race course and excellent organisation at the end. Goody bag was clearly designed with supporting children in mind as there was a large bag of Haribos in there! Nice medal and a proper technical long sleeved t-shirt which fits me so I can use it again! TWeather was a lovely autmun sunny day which helped and I got a PB but that aside, would like to say thanks for a great marathon day out! Date of review: October 7, 2012
|
2012 race reviewed by: Andydriving
 | | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 40% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: It's growing and it will become a must do marathon In full: Following the mess at the start in Liverpool last year I am not surprised that people wanted to,try Chester which is in the same month. Heavens alive, was it worth it? You bet it was. Good route. Some hills which were challenging but not bad. Water station plentiful with choices of water, gels and fruit juices and the smiliest, happiest volunteers you have ever seen who must have been well briefed because I didn't see one who didn't smile or encourage the runners with their names ( which were on the race numbers). Slick start and even slicker finish with lanes, covered goody bag collection and a goodie bag which would put some of the larger races to shame. Toilets everywhere on the course by the way. An example to anyone wanting to run a marathon Date of review: October 7, 2012
|
2012 race reviewed by: JPenno
 | | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Fantastic race and excellent organisation Date of review: October 7, 2012
|
2012 race reviewed by: rickdeniro
 | | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Great race, well organised, well supported and nice to start and finish on race course, Well worth the drive from Essex. Few deceptive hills, particularly the sod at 24 miles! Date of review: October 7, 2012
|
2012 race reviewed by: SwimsLikeAWalrus
 | | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Flat? No way! In full: I wouldn't call this a flat course at all - lots of long drags in it. That said it is picturesque and support along the way is fantastic. Poor time from me so I will return to settle the score. Good info from ROs throughout. Date of review: October 7, 2012
|
2012 race reviewed by: brer rabbit
 | | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Stunning organisation,could not fault In full: Well done to the organisers of this event. It is absolutely faultless from the minute you sign up for it to the minute you finish. A totally 100% professional set-up. BRILLIANT! Date of review: October 7, 2012
|
2012 race reviewed by: Hungry Mungry
 | | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Superb, helped with the warm autumn weather but fabulous In full: What a gem of a race in a charming city, organisation was brilliant, marshalls, water stations & a great finishers bag all in there. So much water & refreshments available on the course, cold water in the showers was a shame & who put that hill at 24miles! Fantastic race in every way.Well done to everyone involved loved it. Date of review: October 7, 2012
|
2012 race reviewed by: HeOw
 | | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Superb in every way In full: Out of 2 marathons and 8 Half marathons (and smaller races) - this is my stand out race of the past 12 months (including GNR). Top of the class for organisation. Top of the class for atmosphere. Top of the class for marshalling. Top of the class for everything. You have made me fall in love with running all over again after a pretty crap taper (mentally). Loved loved loved it and want to thank everyone who helped make this a wonderful wonderful race. Organisers, you should be so so proud tonight. You rock. Date of review: October 7, 2012
|
2012 race reviewed by: DM8
 | | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Organisation fantastic - lovely route In full: Great event - the organisation was faultless. Marshalls and helpers were also fabulous as were the crowds who lined the streets. Great atmosphere in the villages and particularly at the race course. Course is hillier than I expected but not too bad. Will definitely run again. Date of review: October 7, 2012
|

| |