HARP 24 is a continuous 24-hour relay held on a four mile, multi-terrain lap through the Essex countryside from Westcliff Rugby Club, Southend, raising funds for HARP – Southend's independent homeless charity. This year's race will take place between 22-23 June 2019, starting and finishing at 12 noon.

The race can be completed by hard core solo runners or in teams with various configurations. Teams may be all male, all female or mixed and can be from three members up to a maximum of 12 competitors. In the case of mixed teams there are restrictions on the number of males to ensure a level playing field.

Competitors will race through the night, adding laps and miles to their totals in a 24-hour running festival in South Essex . Everyone from experienced ultra-distance runners to fun runners can take part, thanks to the flexible format and team element.

All participants will benefit from free camping at Westcliff Rugby Club; a bespoke HARP24 2019 race T-shirt and a goody bag containing race guide and snacks for the weekend. Every finisher also receives the coveted HARP24 2019 medal.

Additional hot food will be available from the on-site BBQ, with hot drinks and cakes on offer throughout the duration of the event for a suggested donation to the charity.

Last year's solo winners were Charley Jennings (female) with 26 laps (104 miles) and Lloyd Richardson (male) with 24 laps (96 miles) so the men need to pull their compression socks up!

The greatest distance covered by any team was 48 laps (192 miles) by BRC men's team in the 6-8 runners category, so the gauntlet has been thrown down for this year.

Could you clock up 100 miles plus in 24-hours running solo or with some team mates? Entries cost from £45 solo to £320 for up to 12 runners but this can be halved if each runner commits to a fundraising target of £50 per entrant. At least 50% of all proceeds go to the HARP charity.

Full details at HARP 24 website here

Images courtesy HARP 24