Clacton-on-Sea Promenade was the place to be on Sunday, 17 August 2025, where the annual Clacton Carnival was brought to a fitting finale by the Clacton Carnival Half Marathon and 10K, presented by Nice Work.

The Clacton Carnival Procession was started in 1922 when it was organised by Clacton Urban District Council for the benefit of Clacton Cottage Hospital. Previous editions have included an egg-throwing competition and a crazy golf championship. This year's carnival theme was 'Theatre Land'.

The mild weather and sea breeze were appreciated by 408 finishers in the half-marathon and 375 in the 10K. Nice Work describes both races as: "This is a true seafront race, taking place along both the top and bottom promenades, with plenty of holidaymakers and day trippers to cheer you on! The course for both races is largely flat, with two cheeky hills!"

The Clacton-on-Sea Promenade is dressed for the occasion, with plenty of bunting on display. The 10K route heads through Holland-on-Sea to the first turn at Holland Haven Country Park. Then it's back along the coast to Marine Parade West for the second turn to the finish on the Greensward, opposite Fourth Avenue. The half-marathon follows the same basic route, with a small extension on the second lap to make up the full distance.

The top three in the 10K were Sam Pedley (Herts Phoenix, 34:00), Andrew Risk (Colchester Harriers, 34:56) and Chris Alabaster (unattached, 35:04). Abby Rex (Basildon AC, 38:17) took the women's victory in tenth overall. The runners-up were Emily Nurden (Vegan Runners, 44:24) and Jennie Stemp (Great Bentley RC, 45:12).

Leading the procession in the half marathon was Felix Stewart (Bracknell AC, 1:13:48) followed by Gareth Carey (Springfield Striders, 1:15:51) and Chris Ryan (Colchester Harriers, 1:16:35). The top three in the women's race were W55 master Vicky Simpson-Thomas (Bishop Stortford RC, 1:36:09), W40 Anna Cleary (Darford Harriers, 1:39:49) and W35 Emma Burley (unattached, 1:40:40).

Detailed results are available at the runABC South race listing here.

Photos courtesy of Clacton Carnival on Facebook