It seems you just can't get enough of the Benfleet 15 – a challenging, multi-terrain course, incorporating sections of the 2012 Olympic Mountain Bike course, Canvey Island sea wall, a scenic stretch beside the waters of Hadleigh Ray and over the undulating Hadleigh Downs.

This was the 33rd anniversary of this traditional Essex club race organised by Benfleet Running Club with chip timing and race support from Nice Work race management. A popular feature is the colour-coded medals – gold for the first 25 men and women; silver for the next 50 and bronze for the remainder – as pictured below.

This year's race was made even tougher than usual due to the unwelcome embrace of Storm Isha but as the organisers posted on facebook there were 785 winners: "We hope that you all enjoyed the 2024 Benfleet 15 yesterday. 785 brave souls lined up for "The Benfleet 15 vs Storm Isha Edition" and I can confirm Benfleet 15 -785 : Storm Isha - nil! A big well done to everyone that competed yesterday from us all at Benfleet Running Club, you did yourself proud, no matter where you placed!"

First of those '785 brave souls' – 137 more finishers than last year – was last year's runner-up Kurtis Swan (Braintree & District AC, 1:30:30) who was well clear of Shane Boxall (Southend AC, 1:33:42) and Nicholas Sharp (Victoria Park & Tower Hamlets AC, 1:35:29). The dampening effect of Storm Isha meant there was no increase in the 31 times that 90 minutes has been breached in the 33 years history of this classic.

The first lady of Benfleet was Rebecca O'Kill (Southend AC, 1:45:12) followed by the defending champion Jackie Stretton (Springfield Striders, 1:47:16) and W40 Catriona Probert (Edinburgh AC, 1:50:35) – one of just over 100 athletes who finished inside two hours.

The tailenders were out for just over four hours and many athletes thanked the marshalls – most of whom were provided by Benfleet RC and friends from local clubs – for their patience and unstinting support out on the course.

Full results and previous race reports are available via runABC South race listing here.

Next year's race is on Sunday 19 January 2025 and entries are already live at Nice Work here.

Photos courtesy Liam Winters at LW Photography for Benfleet Running Club