Chelmsford Marathon & Half Marathon

This epic race returns for your racing delight! Don't miss out on one of the biggest running events in Essex! And, for every step you race, you'll be raising valuable funds for Little Havens Children's Hopsice in Essex. What could possibly be better?

This is a Partner race
This means that we are working with a host Partner Organisation and provide timing and/or racing management services for their event. 

Event Overview
Join runners as they go race, run, jog and walk through Central Park and into the Essex countryside in support of Little Havens, the children's hospice of Essex, part of the Havens Hospices charity. The race is hugely popular amongst runners and comes highly recommended for the following reasons - great course, superb race day atmosphere, enthusiastic and cheery marshals and a wonderful, well-appointed event village to explore. 

This racing extravaganza in a major fundraising event for LIttle Havens.
Little Havens provides specialist care and support for babies, children and young people living with complex or incurable conditions from Essex and the surrounding boroughs. Most of the babies, children and young people they care for have conditions that limit their life expectancy, making it even more important for them and their families to make every day of their lives together count, and Little Havens does just that, thanks to your donations.

The demand for its care is increasing so every pound truly makes a difference. Little Havens must raise more that £83,000 each week to be there for everybody who needs them.

Your race and how it can make a difference through fundraising
By signing up to the Chelmsford Marathon and Half, you'll be ensuring that local families who have been given the devastating news of an incurable condition are getting the specialist care they need and deserve during the most difficult times. But, by going just that little bit further and asking family and friends for sponsorship toward the cause, you'll ensure that Little Havens can reach even more children, young people and families.

Become a Havens Hero
Following its success last year, we are once again asking participants to become a "Havens Hero" and purchase the Havens Hero entry tickets for 2025. This very special race entry includes the cost of providing half an hour of essential care at the hospice, making a real difference for someone in need.

Support throughout your fundraising journey
The team at Little Havens can support you throughout your fundraising journey and even offer some fantastic training runs to help you mark the milestones as you prepare for your big day. Please email [email protected] for more information.

Set up your very own donation page in aid of Little Havens on Just Giving and click on 'Fundraise for us' to start raising valuable funds and track your progress.

Course overview
Runners can choose from the Marathon or Half Marathon distances. 
The Marathon: This accurately measured single lap course starts and finishes in Central Park on a scenic tree-lined avenue. The course is undulating so please note that there are hills! The race includes a large selection of water and aid stations located at 8 points around the course. There will be selected pacers on the course. Please note, due to health & safety, there is a cut off time of 7 hours for the event. Marshals will therefore standdown at 3pm after which time the race will be unsupported and runners will need to navigate using signage only. However, we will still have our wonderful sweep marshals on the course to help keep everyone safe. 
The Half Marathon: This is an 'out and back' course. It is a flatter route than the full marathon, but participants will still be ablet to enjoy running through Central Park and out into the stunning countryside, returning to Central Park for a glorious finish!

A note about the race start
You spoke! We listened! Following feedback and 2024 success, the Marathon and Half Marathon will now enjoy different start times.
Marathon: 09:00
Half Marathon: 09:30

Route Map
You can view the route maps below.
You will be able to download the route in different formats including a GPX
Marathon
Half Marathon

Available races / distances
Marathon / Half Marathon

Prizes
Bespoke medal for all finishers
Trophies for winners and leading age categories

A note on t-shirts
Please note, in an effort to reduce waste and to continue providing value for money, t-shirts will not be included in your race entry this year. However, you will have the option to purchase a race shirt alongside your race entry. 

Previous reviews
Don't take our word for it!
Find out what our runners say about the Chelmsford Marathon and HM.
You can view previous reviews... here.
Current reviews can be viewed... here.

On-the-day Entry Fees (subject to availability only)
Marathon: £50.00
Half Marathon: £35.00

A note on headphones
Due to new England Athletic rules that came into force on 01 April 2024, in the ear and over the ear headphones are no longer permitted at running events unless otherwise stated. Bone conducting headphones are permitted however, if you do choose to wear bone conducting headphones, then we ask that you have the volume turned down low enough to hear the marshal instructions.

Event information will be sent to all registered entrants prior to race day.