Lace Up and Celebrate 30 Years of the Southend Half Marathon

February 9, 2026

Havens Hospices’ Southend Half Marathon event returns to the seafront this summer, marking three decades of the city’s premier running event.

Registration is now open for the race which will be taking place on Sunday 14th June. After selling out for the past two consecutive years, organisers are urging the community to sign up early to avoid disappointment.

The 13.1-mile course starts and finishes at East Beach, Shoeburyness, offering a fast, flat and traffic-free route along the scenic Thames Estuary coastline - perfect for both first-time half-marathoners and seasoned runners chasing personal bests.

The Southend Half Marathon is a flagship fundraiser for Havens Hospices, which includes Fair Havens and Little Havens, raising an extraordinary £1.6 million for the Essex-based charity over the past three decades. This vital funding has had a direct impact on thousands of families across the community who rely on the hospices’ support during the most difficult moments of their lives.

The local charity, which must raise more than £208,000 each week, provides free specialist care for children, young people and adults living with incurable conditions, helping them to make the most of every day.

This year, runners can make an even greater impact by selecting the 'Havens Hero' ticket option. For an additional £16 donation on top of the standard entry fee, participants can cover the cost of half an hour of essential care at the hospices.

Lucy Lock, Community Engagement Manager at Havens Hospices, said: "Reaching our 30th race is a momentous occasion that speaks to the incredible support we've received from our community over the years. The Southend Half Marathon has become so much more than a race – it's a celebration of resilience, community spirit, and the difference we can make when we come together for a vital local cause, which means so much to so many people.

"With the last two years selling out, we're encouraging everyone who wants to be part of this milestone year to register as soon as possible. Whether you're running for fun, to remember a loved one, or to achieve a personal best, every mile will make a real difference to the families we care for.

"The demand for our care continues to grow, and we need 2026 to be our biggest and best fundraiser to date. Everyone living with a complex or incurable condition deserves the best possible care throughout their whole life's journey, and events like the Southend Half Marathon ensure this support continues for everybody in our community."

The event regularly attracts close to 3,000 runners from across the Southeast, the wider UK, and as far afield as Europe and the USA, alongside numerous spectators who line East Beach and the seafront to cheer on participants.

Every runner will receive a commemorative Southend Half Marathon 2026 medal to celebrate their achievement.

Entry fees start from £36. For more information and to register, visit www.havenshospices.org.uk/southendhalf

Photo credit: Jon Webber