Our popular Roman River Trails event returns with two self navigation routes, this trail event allows you to participate in a half Marathon or Marathon. All distances take in the sights and sounds of the villages and Roman River valley near Colchester before returning to race HQ. The route is predominantly hard-packed trail with parts of tarmac and grass footpath sections along the way.

We have a new entry fee structure for this event. Based upon the self navigation nature of the event and in an attempt to make it more affordable depending on what is important to you, we have made it possible to strip back your entry fee to £25.00 for the marathon, if you choose not to take a medal as part of your entry. You are of course able to take them if you so wish, but you must select them at registration and pay the required fee. We may not be able to sell additional medals on race day should you change your mind.

Navigation will be via .gpx file or written instructions which will be available for download when finalised nearer to event day. The event will be cupless, and you will need to provide a cup for your drinks during the day. You can purchase collapsible speedcups during registration or on race day for £2.50/cup. 

Start and finish location

START LOCATION

Bannatyne Gym & Spa, Kingsford Park.

THE COURSES

The courses will take in the Roman River valley with the river being crossed numerous times during the marathon course. Due to the up and down nature of the river valley, there will be some hills!  The half marathon loop, which will be half of the marathon course, will take in the villages to the West of Colchester and the surrounding areas.

Cut-Offs - Half marathon 3.5hrs - Marathon 7hrs.  

AID STATIONS

There will be aid stations as follows: 

Half marathon & Marathon - fully stocked aid stations will be at appox 10km intervals- these will carry a mixture of water, squash, flat coke, biscuits, chocolate, peanuts, pretzels, flapjacks, fruit, jelly babies, tangfastics.  etc. 

Please note that this is a cup free event - which means you must bring with you a receptacle of some sort for us to fill for you at the aid stations. We will not have any cups out on the tables, but we will be happy to fill your cups, flasks, bottles, hydration packs and even your own running shoes if you wish to drink from them! This is to help with a reduction in race day plastic waste that is prevalent in events and also to eradicate the dropping of waste and litter out on the trails where it does not belong. We will have reusable cups for sale on the day for £2:50 each should you require one or you can order one at time of registration alongside your entry. 

TOILETS

There are toilets located at the race HQ venue which is the start and finish of all races.

LITTER 

There is absolutely no excuse for littering and it will not be tolerated. Anyone seen littering will be instantly disqualified and not included in the results. There is so little distance between aid stations, please can you carry any waste with you and deposit in the bins provided at the aid stations or carry to the end of the event where we will gladly take it from you and recycle where we can. We would like to host this event every year, if we leave litter behind on the trails, clearly this could jeopardise our chances to continue with these events. 

OTHER USERS

There will be other users on the trails and footpaths and they have as much right to be there as you do! Please be courteous and polite to them, and treat them as you would wish to be treated. 

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Every finisher will have the opportunity to recieve one of our renowned bespoke medals should you choose to, and everyone will receive a goody bag full of treats, sweet and savoury, to keep you going on your journey home.