Olympic legend to start Chester Marathon

Olympic champion Dame Denise Lewis DBE will fire the starting pistol at this year’s MBNA Chester Marathon and Metric Marathon, with the event sponsored jointly by MBNA and Visa, this year.

Dame Denise Lewis DBE is one of Britain’s most celebrated athletes, best known for winning gold in the heptathlon at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. As a former track and field star turned respected broadcaster and commentator, she has built a reputation for inspiring leadership and championing causes in sport and youth development.

The new co-sponsors have secured Denise to help celebrate the most popular event in the race’s 16 year history. And with record-breaking entry numbers in 2025, and a new headline sponsor partnership between leading credit card company MBNA and global payments leader Visa, race organisers are expecting the biggest crowds yet.

The new co-sponsor partnership between MBNA, who have supported the race for 15 years, and first time sponsors Visa, reflects a shared commitment from both financial organisations to help support improved mental health and inclusion, promote more active lifestyles, and build stronger community engagement.

Denise said:

“Sport has such a unique power to bring people together, build resilience and strengthen communities. That’s why I’m so proud to support all the participants, race organisers, Active Leisure, Visa and MBNA at the MBNA Chester Marathon this year,” 

“I’m especially passionate about encouraging young people to discover the fun and friendship of sport, because that’s where confidence, ambition and lifelong wellbeing are built. I can’t wait to see thousands of runners take to the streets, and achieve something amazing for themselves and for the causes they care about.”

Victoria Dowd, Community Investment Partnership Manager at MBNA, commented:

“We are so proud to see the MBNA Chester Marathon and Metric Marathon continue to thrive, and to welcome Visa with us to help grow the event even bigger this year is fantastic. Both organisations share genuine commitments to making a difference to people’s lives, in particular around the challenges of mental health, inclusion and community participation, and this event embodies all of those values.

“Having Denise Lewis join us to start the race makes it even more special this year. She is an inspiring ambassador for sport, wellbeing and inclusion, and her leadership in athletics is helping to empower the next generation to reach their potential.

“I’m also looking forward to watching dozens of MBNA colleagues taking part, raising money for causes close to their hearts, and we’ll be cheering every runner along the way.”

Diane Ayres, Client Director at Visa, commented:

"Visa are delighted to team up with MBNA to support the Chester Marathon, an event that brings energy, community, and determination to the streets of Chester. This partnership reflects our commitment to supporting local initiatives that inspire movement, both physically and financially - while empowering individuals to go further, together. Here's to every runner crossing the finish line!"

Race organiser Chris Hulse, of Active Leisure Events Ltd, added:

“Entries for this year’s MBNA Chester Marathon have surpassed all previous records, with 10,000 runners across the full and metric marathons, plus around 1,000 families and young aspiring runners in the Mini Marathon. It’s fantastic to see so many people getting involved - especially Denise - and we’re excited for this to be a truly memorable experience for both runners and spectators.

“We’re proud to be supporting our headline race charity, Claire House Children’s Hospice, this year. They do incredible work for children and families across our region. The event raised over £1.1m for charity in 2024, and with the buzz around the event being bigger than ever, we're on track to see our runners surpass this figure. We can’t wait to see the community come together on race day - especially with someone as inspiring as Dame Denise Lewis leading the way.”

Thousands of participants are expected to line up in Chester on race day, Sunday 5th October 2025, cheered on by supporters throughout the city and surrounding countryside, and it's not too late to get involved! 

For more information, visit: 

www.activeleisureevents.co.uk/marathon