Gold, silver or bronze? At most races, the colour of your finisher's medal is decided long before the starting gun. Not at the Benfleet 15, where runners earn their medal colour according to their finishing position after 15 demanding miles of Essex mud, hills and coastal trails.

The popular event returns on Sunday 17 January 2027, organised by Benfleet Running Club from its familiar base at Hadleigh Country Park. And while the medal system adds an unusual competitive incentive, simply completing this challenging multi-terrain course is an achievement worth celebrating.

The route incorporates sections of the mountain biking course used during the London 2012 Olympics, taking runners across the undulating Hadleigh Downs before exploring the Canvey Island sea wall and the shores of Hadleigh Ray. Elevated views across the Thames Estuary provide some compensation for the climbing, although the January conditions can make the going particularly demanding.

Mud has become something of a Benfleet tradition. The 35th anniversary race in January 2026 attracted 769 finishers, with slippery trails and testing conditions once again adding to the challenge. Ben Felton led the field home in 1:31:52, while Stacey Ormerod took the women's victory in 1:44:08.

The race's distinctive medal awards provide another talking point. Gold medals go to the first 25 male and female finishers, silver to the next 50 in each category, with bronze medals awarded to the remaining finishers. It's a tradition that gives competitors something extra to chase as they tackle the final miles.

The event also takes a practical approach to reducing waste, operating without disposable cups at its water stations. Runners are expected to carry their own reusable drinking containers.

With a 10am start and a reputation for attracting strong fields, Benfleet 15 remains one of the more distinctive challenges on the January racing calendar. 

Entries are now open, with runners able to secure their place through the runABC Race Hub.

Image courtesy of Liam Winters at LW Photography for Benfleet Running Club.