Havens Hospice
Next Race: 12/10/2025
Central Park, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 0FQ.
Next Race: 12/10/2025
Central Park, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 0FQ.
This epic race returns for your racing delight! Don't miss out on one of the biggest running events in Essex; it's something special! And, for every step you race, you'll be raising valuable funds for Havens Hospices! 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 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 Havens Hospices
When someone has been diagnosed with a complex or incurable condition, Havens Hospices, which includes 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, young people and adults 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, Havens Hospices 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 Havens Hospices can reach even more people across Essex.
Become a Havens Hero...
This year we are asking participants to become a “Havens Hero” and purchase the Havens Hero entry tickets, which 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 Havens Hospices 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.
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 from last year's event, the Marathon and Half Marathon will now have different start times as follows:
Marathon: 09:00
Half Marathon: 09:30
Our hope is that this will help ease any congestion in the start funnel and also contribute towards a more efficient registration and bag drop. The race will start under the gantry in Central Park. Further details will be provided in the pre-race instructions which will be sent approximately two weeks prior to race-day.
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.
Premium quality technical runner t-shirt for all finishers.
Trophies for winners and leading age categories.
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: £55.00
Half Marathon race: £40.00
Event information will be sent to all registered entrants prior to race-day.
Race HQ & Start: Central Park, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 0FQ
By Train: Central Park, which is less than half a mile from Chelmsford Railway Station, in the town centre.
You can also access the race by bike and by car.