Being a marshal is not all about showing the runners the right way! At the Halstead and Essex Marathon on Sunday (8 May) one unknown runner suffering from cramps received some practical assistance with a smile to help him on his way.  

As Andrew Burgess posted on Facebook, summing up many runners' thoughts on the race: "An absolutely superb event. The marshals were amazing - they looked like they were having more fun than me! Organisation 10/10. My 10th Halstead. See you next year!"

Halstead Marathon began in 1995 after a suggestion by Halstead Road Runner Colin Richer and other club members and it soon grew in stature to become a key annual event entrusted to host the Essex County Championships.

A new course was established in 2015 to ensure runner safety and the course records are held by Springfield Striders RC members Pete Robinson (2:29:58, 2022) and Jackie Stretton (3:00:44, 2018). 

As course record breakers win a £200 prize it was a good payday for the new Essex Marathon champion, Pete Robinson (2:29:58). He was made to fight for his victory by M45 Stuart Haynes (Woodbridge, 2:30:25) and multi-talented former county discus champion Conor Culham (Braintree, 2:34:28) as the top three took Essex gold and runners-up medals between them.

The leading trio in the women's race was Heidi Hogan-Steele (Colchester Harriers, 3:03:47) – just three minutes short of a bonus payment – Holly Weir (W40 Sudbury Joggers, 3:14:42) and Karen Pickering (Halstead RR, 3:17:09). With Holly not Essex qualified, the county bronze medal went to Anna Lees (London City, 3:21:08). 

With Halstead Road Runners being a club with less than 100 members this annual event is a marathon promotion. The club is already preparing for the 27th Halstead and Essex Marathon next May and their statement on the club website says it all: "We pride ourselves on providing a “Race for Runners” which has been continually rated in the top five marathon races in the UK and once again will donate a large percentage of any profits to local charities and schools".

Full results and race details via runABC South race listing here.

Image courtesy Halstead Road Runners on facebook