Halstead & Essex Marathon

Halstead & Essex Marathon : May 2026

The Halstead & Essex Marathon returns in May 2026 for its 30th year. The event is organised by Halstead Road Runners, a local club of about 140 members, and is based at Halstead Leisure Centre, Colne Road, Halstead, Essex CO9 2HR.

The race is a full marathon held on scenic, low-traffic roads in North Essex, featuring rolling hills, woods and farmland. It is part of the Essex Road Running Championships series; eligibility is limited to runners born in Essex or resident in Essex for nine months or longer. Current course records are 2:28:08 for men and 2:53:22 for women, and there is a £200 prize for breaking a record.

The event highlights community involvement and volunteering. It received the 2025 England Athletics East Region Community volunteer project of the year award, and the previous year’s event raised over £500 for charities. Volunteer support and water stations are noted features.

Entries are limited to 500 runners. Standard entry fees are UK Athletics affiliated £53 and non-affiliated £55; early bird fees are UK affiliated £43 and non-affiliated £45. Entries close on 3 May. No refunds or deferrals are allowed; race refund insurance is offered as an option and transfers are permitted until one week before the event. Walkers expected to take more than seven hours cannot be accepted.

Parking is not available at Race HQ. A dedicated parking area is accessible from Upper Fen Road and is a short walk from Race HQ; the organisers do not accept responsibility for loss or damage to vehicles. Car sharing is encouraged to reduce environmental impact.

Event licence and course measurement certificate are provided. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

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