Halstead & Essex Marathon

Halstead & Essex Marathon

Halstead & Essex Marathon returns in May 2026 for its 30th year. The event is hosted by Halstead Road Runners, a club of about 140 members, and was established in 1995. It won the 2025 England Athletics East Region Community volunteer project of the year award. The race is held from Halstead Leisure Centre, Colne Road, Halstead, Essex CO9 2HR, and takes place on scenic, low-traffic roads in North Essex among rolling hills, woods and farmlands.

The marathon is part of the Essex Road Running Championships series and is open to runners born in Essex or who have been resident in Essex for nine months or longer. Current course records are 2:28:08 for men and 2:53:22 for women, with a prize of £200 for record breakers. Event licence no. 30235 and course measurement certificate no. 25/009 are listed.

Entry and logistics

Maximum race entries are 500. Standard entry fees are UK Athletics affiliated £53.00 and non-affiliated £55.00. An early bird offer is listed at affiliated £43.00 and non-affiliated £45.00. Entries close on 3th May. No refunds or deferrals are allowed; race refund insurance is offered as an option and transfers are allowed until one week before the event. Walkers who will take over 7 hours cannot be accepted.

Parking is not available at Race HQ. A dedicated parking area for runners is accessible from Upper Fen Road and is under a minute walk from Race HQ; marshals will direct vehicles. Organizers state they cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage to vehicles or their contents. If the event has not sold out, a limited number of card payment entries may be available on the day. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.