Southend Half Marathon returns next summer after Covid break

December 31, 2021

Southend’s premier running event - which raises thousands of pounds for local hospice care - is set to return to its usual coastal route in 2022 after being postponed by the pandemic.

Registration is now open for the Southend Half Marathon taking place on Sunday 12th June. The course is fast, flat and traffic free making it ideal for first time half marathon runners as well as a favourite for seasoned runners looking to achieve a personal best. Once runners have completed their 13.1 miles, they will receive a special commemorative medal.

Every person who registers will be supporting Havens Hospices which includes Fair Havens, Little Havens and The J’s. The local hospice charity cares for children, young people and adults living with complex or incurable conditions from across Essex.

This free, specialist care is there for families as long as it’s needed, within the home and at the charity’s two hospices, but can only continue thanks to people’s kind donations and sponsorship, such as those raised through events like the Southend Half Marathon.

The charity is looking forward to welcoming back its flagship event in its usual format. Jane Hopkins, organiser of the event at Havens Hospices said: “We’re excited to be welcoming back runners to the Southend Half Marathon so we can continue to raise vital funds towards our essential hospice care after a challenging two years of fundraising.

“The event usually attracts thousands of runners locally, from across the country and the world. There’s no better way to start the new year by grabbing your running shoes and getting active in preparation for the Southend Half Marathon. We want next year’s race to be a celebration of Southend not only becoming a city, but also the community coming together after difficult and uncertain times.

“Whether you’re running for fun, to remember a loved one or to achieve a personal best, every mile will be making such a difference to all the families we care for, ‘Making every day count’.”

Registration costs £28 for affiliated club runners, non-affiliated runners £30 and wheelchair athletes £30. To sign up visit www.havenshospices.org.uk/southendhalf