Blackwater Trail Events Marathon

Blackwater Trail Events 2026

The event offers two distance options along sections of the Chelmer and Blackwater waterway in Essex. The route starts in Chelmsford and follows trail, grass and tarmac footpaths through countryside to Heybridge Basin, where the half marathon finishes. The marathon continues from Heybridge Basin along the Saltmarsh coastal footpath past Goldhanger before turning inland to finish in Tollesbury.

Distances

• Half Marathon, 13.1 miles
• Marathon, route to Tollesbury with checkpoint at 27.5 miles

Facilities and services include toilets at the start, Heybridge Basin and Tollesbury, a bag drop service with a bus transferring bags from the start to the finish points, and car parking options near Chelmsford, Heybridge Basin and Tollesbury though some parking may be limited. Aid stations are provided at regular intervals, with two on the half course and five on the marathon course. Stations will offer snacks such as jelly babies, flapjacks, biscuits, fruit and nuts, plus squash and flat cola; participants are asked to use their own flasks, cups or bladders because the event is cupless. Reusable cups are available for purchase during registration or on race day.

The event is UKA affiliated, holds a TRA race permit and is a 100 Club qualifying event. Participants are asked to use aid station bins for rubbish to help protect the venue. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.