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 Hospice! 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 race 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, of Havens Hospices. 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 is a major fundraising event for  Little Havens Hospices
When a child has been diagnosed with a complex or incurable condition, Little Havens Children's Hospice, can provide the care and support that’s needed.

All entries will help support this remarkable Essex-based charity to provide the care and support needed so children and young people who are living with incurable conditions can make the most of every day of their lives. And, when the end of life is in sight, thanks to your donations, Little Havens can be there to make sure they are comfortable, at peace and cared for in the way they choose.

The demand for its care is increasing so every pound truly makes a difference. Havens Hospices must raise more than £124,000 each week to be there for everybody who needs them. This care is absolutely free of charge thanks to the kind donations from people like you.

Your race and how it can make a difference through fundraising:
By signing up for the Chelmsford Marathon and Half, you’ll be ensuring 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 towards the cause, you’ll be ensuring Little Havens  can reach even more people across Essex. 
 

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 Havens Hospices 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 fradmin@havenshospices.org.uk for more information. 

So, 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:
The Marathon: This accurately measured single lap course starting and finishing in Central Park on a scenic tree-lined avenue. The course is undulating so please note 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, there is a cut off time of 7 hours for the event due to health and safety reasons and marshals will be standing down 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 & back' course. It is a flatter route than the full marathon, but participants will enjoy running through Central Park and out into stunning countryside, finishing back at Central Park.

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

Route Map:

You can view the route maps below. You'll be able to download the route in different formats including GPX.
Half Marathon
Marathon

Available Races/Distances:
Marathon / Half Marathon

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

A note on tshirts: Please note, in an effort to reduce waste and to continue providing value for money, tshirts 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 & HM.
You can view previous reviews... here!
Current reviews can be viewed... here!

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

A note on headphones:
Due to new UKA 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.