Southend Half Heroes Needed

January 24, 2020 by Leigh-on-sea.com

A landmark charity event for south Essex turns 25 this year and wants help from runners and previous winners to celebrate.

The Southend Half Marathon has been attracting thousands of runners from across the county - and across the world - for a quarter of a century. Originally organised by the Vestall Vergins Running Club in aid of Little Havens and Fair Havens, it was at one point called the Jim Peters Half Marathon in honour of the athlete who hailed from Thorpe Bay.

Since then, the event has raised in excess of £1.1 million for Havens Hospices and is an established fixture in the local running calendar.

The Southend Half Marathon this year is taking place on Sunday 14^th June, 9.30am from East Beach in Shoeburyness. Havens Hospices is offering free places to any participants who have secured first place (first male/first female) in previous events. 

Havens Hospices Events Fundraiser Jane Hopkins says, “Although we organise this event, we couldn’t continue without the support of our running community, so as a small gesture we thought we’d acknowledge this by inviting back all previous winners to mark this milestone. They will need to contact me directly with proof of their placing i.e. a copy of their results or a photo of the relevant trophy.”

The charity also wants to hear from any runners who have taken part in previous events, especially from the early days, who perhaps have photos and medals they’re willing to share, or maybe they’ve taken part in every Southend Half Marathon since the start. They can be sent to Jane at jhopkins@havenshospices.org.uk , uploaded to Twitter, Instagram or Facebook and tagging in @HavensHospices #southendhalf

Jane says, “This has been a historic event for the town, not just for runners but for the charity too, and we’d love to hear stories and see photos from people’s personal experiences of the competition. By sharing photos, participants are consenting them to be shared by the charity.”

Havens Hospices includes Fair Havens, The J’s and Little Havens which offers palliative and supportive care to those living with a complex or incurable condition, either within the hospices or in the community. All its care is free of charge, but can only continue thanks to the kindness and generosity of its supporters.

Registration is open now for the Southend Half Marathon at www.havenshospices.org.uk/southendhalf

There is also a Fun Run taking place on the same day.

To contact Jane regarding the free place for first place participants, email jhopkins@havenshospices.org.uk or call 01702 221658