Chelmsford Marathon & Half Marathon
Sun 11 Oct 2026 Chelmsford, Essex, UK

Chelmsford Marathon & Half Marathon

Don't miss out on one of the biggest running events in Essex; it's something special! Join runners as they go race, run, jog, and walk through Central Park and into the Essex countryside.

2 races

  • Sun 11 Oct 2026
  • #1 of 2
Central Park, Chelmsford

Half Marathon

09:30

Age 17 & over

£36-£54

  • 13.1 miles road running + 331 ft ascent
  • Sun 11 Oct 2026
  • #2 of 2
Central Park, Chelmsford

Marathon

09:00

Age 18 & over

£51-£69

  • 26.2 miles road running + 817 ft ascent

Event overview

This award-winning race, sponsored by Countryside and L&Q's flagship residential development in Chelmsford, is hugely popular amongst runners and comes highly recommended for its great course, race day atmosphere, enthusiastic marshals and well-appointed event village. 

Both the marathon and half marathon are accurately measured courses and often used as a good for age qualifying event. Both courses are undulating and run through the tree-lined avenues of Central Park out onto the rural country lanes. 

runner

Highlights

  • Accurately measured courses
  • Pacers for both distances (subject to availability)
  • Great alternative to a mass participation Autumn marathon
  • Choice of two distances
  • Friendly atmosphere and huge support from the Havens Hospices marshals 
  • Racecheck Silver Award winner as voted by runners 

Event community

  • Average fitness
  • Event village
  • Newcomers
  • Spectators
  • Traders at event

Timetable

  • 07:00 | Race HQ and registration opens
  • 08:45 | Marathon pre-race warm-up
  • 08:50 | Marathon pre-race briefing (on start line)
  • 09:00 | Marathon start
  • 09:10 | Half Marathon pre-race warm-up
  • 09:20 | Half Marathon pre-race briefing (on start line)
  • 09:30 | Half Marathon start

  • Cafe
  • Paid parking
  • Park
  • Secure bag storage
  • Toilets

Event HQ

Central Park
Chelmsford
Essex
CM2 0FQ
UK

By train

Central Park, which is less than half a mile from Chelmsford Railway Station, in the town centre.

Parking

There is no parking at Central Park. Competitors and spectators should park in the extensive car parks around the City Centre.

image

Its a great race and very well organised and hope to complete again. Simon S

Recommended as a first marathon as mostly flat and well organised with very encouraging marshalls. Jason W

It was my 7th marathon and I'm glad I did it as it was very enjoyable running in the beautiful countryside setting! The road signs and marshalls were incredibly helpful! Priscilla P

 The medal is great and the event went very smoothly. Richard B

Quite possibly my favourite race and I would definitely do it again, no question! Matt C

The course was perfectly marked, and the entire event was flawlessly managed. Highly recommended! Katie P

A well organised race with easy access from local car parks and a scenic country paths and small roads route. Fiona S

A fantastic event with great support around the course!! Mark B

Fantastic event! The marshals,bag drop team and everyone involved were excellent! Great atmosphere, very well organized. Great clear Comms before and after the event. Paul M

A great route for a road marathon - right out into the countryside- no real hills to worry about - the lap part is character building. Great amount of supporters out on the route - will definitely do again. Highlight was the power up sheep 🀣🀣 Lizzie C

Reviews thanks to RaceCheck

  • Bring your own cup
  • Plastic bottle free
  • Public transport links
  • Recycling
  • Sustainability policy

This event is doing its best to work sustainably to ensure that the carbon footprint of the race is kept as low as possible.

Races at event

  • Sun 11 Oct 2026
  • #1 of 2
Central Park, Chelmsford
Half Marathon

09:30

Age 17 & over

£36-£54

  • 13.1 miles road running + 331 ft ascent
  • Sun 11 Oct 2026
  • #2 of 2
Central Park, Chelmsford
Marathon

09:00

Age 18 & over

£51-£69

  • 26.2 miles road running + 817 ft ascent

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