NEW MARATHON COURSE FOR 2026! H&T entry fee structure means you choose what's important. If you don't want a medal, don't pay for one. 

With a start in Chelmsford at the end of the Chelmer and Blackwater navigation, the route follows the waterway on a series of trail, grass and tarmac footpaths all the way through miles of tranquil Essex countryside through to Heybridge Basin, where the half marathon finishes. 

The marathon distance continues through Heybridge Basin, along the Saltmarsh coastal footpath past Goldhanger and then turns inland heading toward Tollesbury, where it finishes.  

Toilets will be available at the start, Heybridge Basin and Tollesbury.

Bag Drop

We will run a bus from the race start to both Heybridge, Tollesbury and Salcott to take any bags etc. to the finish points depending on your race distance. This will enable the all entrants to have warm clothing and anything else they require at the end of their event. 

Car-parking

There are numerous car parks in Chelmsford – the closest to the start is: Chelmsford Car Parks

There is parking in Heybridge basin here: Heybridge Car-park but spaces could be limited. You are advised to car share where appropriate, and make use of the shuttle service where possible. 

There is parking near the marathon finish in Tollesbury, but again it is limited. Tollesbury Car-Park

Route Map

Here are links to the event routes :

Half Marathon Route

Marathon Route

Race start times: 

Marathon – 0900

Half Marathon – 0900

Cut-off times (time-limit for leaving relevant check-point)

Half-marathon finish & check-point - 3.5 hours - 13.1mi

Marathon finish & check-point - 7 hours - 27.5mi

Aid Stations

There will be aid stations at regular intervals. There will be 2 on the half course, 5 on the marathon course.. These will be stocked with a variety of snacks, both sweet and savoury, such as jelly babies, flapjacks, biscuits and fruit and nuts. There will also be squash and flat coke for you, which we will be more than happy to fill your flasks and reusable cups with. 

PLEASE NOTE: This event will be cupless, as we make a move to reduce plastic waste. We're happy for you to use any receptacle you like, flask, cup or bladder, but if you would like to purchase a reusable cup, we have some available for purchase online during your registration. All cups to be collected on race-day. We will also have a stock of cups for purchase on race-day, should you need one.

With an opportunity to run on a picturesque coastal course with a sought after, unique, bespoke medal, finisher T-shirt & goody bag, this promises to be a fantastic event for runners of all abilities.  UKA Affliated Member & Race Permit issued by TRA and a 100 Club qualifiying event.

Please view our Terms and Conditions before registering for any event.

There will be no excuse for littering given the ability to dispose of any unwanted rubbish at each aid station.  We would like to continue to return to this venue regularly and constant littering might make this difficult.