Halstead & Essex Marathon

Event overview

Halstead & Essex Marathon returns in May 2026 for its 30th year. The race is organised by Halstead Road Runners, a local club of about 140 members. The event was established in 1995 and won the 2025 England Athletics East Region Community volunteer project of the year award. The marathon is run on scenic, low-traffic roads in North Essex, passing rolling hills, woods and farmland. It is part of the Essex Road Running Championships; eligibility for that series is for 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, with a £200 prize for record breakers. The event holds licence No. 30235 and course measurement certificate No. 25/009. The race is open to entrants aged 18 and over and has a maximum of 500 entries.

Entries and logistics

The organiser does not allow refunds or deferrals; entry fees are added to the club’s charity donations. Race refund insurance is offered as an option and transfers are allowed until one week before the event. Entries close on 3 May. Standard entry fees are £53.00 for UK Athletics affiliated runners and £55.00 for non-affiliated runners; an early-bird rate is listed at £43.00 / £45.00. Parking is not available at Race HQ; a dedicated parking area is accessible from Upper Fen Road and is a short walk (under a minute) from the leisure centre. Organisers do not accept liability for loss or damage to vehicles. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.