Thameside 10 Races
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Event Overview
The Thameside 10/5/1 Races are hosted by the Phoenix Striders Walking and Running Club in partnership with the Essex Wildlife Trust. The event takes place at the Thameside Nature Discovery Centre, a nature reserve that participants can explore through several distance options. The races serve as a fundraiser for both the Essex Wildlife Trust and the charity Brighter Outcomes for Special People (BOSP).
Participants can choose from the following distances:
- 10 km: A two-lap course for those aged 16 and over.
- 5 km: A single-lap course for participants aged 12 and over.
- 1 km: The "Teenie's Run" for families and children, consisting of two loops.
Course Details
The 10 km route begins at the visitor centre and follows a hard-packed path to the sea wall. Runners transition to a tarmac path before returning along the top of the sea wall, offering views of the Thames, the visitor centre, and Kent. The second lap includes a section along the edge of the reserve with views toward Southend, concluding with a downhill finish. The 5 km race follows the specific second-lap route of the longer distance. The 1 km Teenie's Run takes place on a track surrounding the visitor centre, which remains visible from the building's roof.
Facilities and Participation
The Thameside Nature Discovery Centre provides toilets and a shop selling snacks, drinks, and mementos, though there are no dedicated changing rooms on-site. Race numbers must be collected on the day of the event. All finishers receive a bespoke medal. For the timed 10 km and 5 km events, trophies are awarded to the top three male and female finishers, as well as winners in specific age categories. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.