The Chelmsford Marathon and Half Marathon return on Sunday 11 October 2026, bringing runners together for one of Essex's biggest race days and another major fundraising effort for Little Havens Children's Hospice.

Both accurately measured courses start from Central Park before leaving its tree lined avenues for the rural country lanes surrounding Chelmsford. The routes are undulating, with the Marathon starting at 9:00am and the Half Marathon following at 9:30am. Pacers are planned for both distances, subject to availability, and there is a six hour event cut off.

For some runners, the attraction will be the opportunity to chase a fast Marathon or Half Marathon time without the scale of a huge city event. For others, race day will be about something much bigger than the clock. Little Havens provides specialist care and support for babies, children and young people living with complex or incurable conditions, and runners helped raise £53,082.82 for the hospice through the 2025 event.

That connection continues in 2026 through Havens Heroes entries, which include a £16 donation to Little Havens. The hospice is also partnering again with the Carli Lansley Foundation to offer free heart screening for younger runners taking part, with further details due in race communications.

With an enthusiastic marshal team, a busy event village and two distances to choose from, Chelmsford combines a serious autumn running challenge with the opportunity for every mile to make a difference.

Entries are available via the runABC race hub here.

Image courtesy Nice Work.