Essex 20
Sun 15 Mar 2026 Saffron Walden, Essex, UK

Essex 20

The Essex 20 is held annually and is an ideal 20-mile race for the build-up to Marathon season, set over a 5-lap, flat, fast, tarmac course. Also hosting the Essex County Road Running Championships.

  • Sun 15 Mar 2026
Carver Barracks, Saffron Walden

Essex 20

09:30

Age 18 & over

£32-£34

  • 20 miles road running + 195 ft ascent
  • Enter online
  • Event village
  • Flat
  • Newcomers
  • PB
  • Recycling
  • Sustainability policy

Event overview

Experience the thrill of running in Essex, where history meets the open road! This unique 20 mile event will take place on a 5-lap course at Debden Airfield. This disused airfield has a fast, flat, tarmac course with no sharp corners, and the surrounding tree cover makes for relatively still wind conditions on most days. Ideal for all runners, whether you’re looking to hit a personal best or just want to enjoy an off road run with friends. Join us for this memorable run and be part of an event that’s as exciting as it is accessible!

This race also incorporates the Inter-counties 20-mile road race champs, so there will be a competitive field at the front end.

This epic event also plays host to the Essex County Road Running Championships. 

Event photos

Event details

  • All fitness levels
  • Event village
  • Newcomers

  • Paid parking

Event HQ

Carver Barracks
Elder Street
Saffron Walden
Essex
CB10 2YB
UK

Map /// advancing.palettes.eclipses

Paid parking

Ample parking is available at the venue for a £3 parking fee.

  • Bone conducting headphones only
  • First aid
  • Flat
  • Marshals
  • Multiple laps
  • No headphones
  • PB
  • GPX available

GPX route

The route is displayed on the map above.

Overview

This unique 20 mile event will take place on a 5-lap course at Debden Airfield. This disused airfield has a fast, flat, tarmac course with no sharp corners, and the surrounding tree cover makes for relatively still wind conditions on most days.

Map

map
5 LAPS

  • Bring your own cup
  • Recycling
  • Sustainability policy

Here are the ways this event cares for the environment:

Summary

  • Recycling bins
  • Recycling gets separated from general waste
  • Finish line water bottles made from recycled material
  • Refill taps are provided so participants can bring their own bottle and fill up during the event
  • The choice of paper cups at water stations
  • Signage including course marking attached with reusable garden wire instead of plastic cable ties
  • 'Dynamic bib assignment’ removes the need for envelopes, sticker labels and excess waste
  • Bike racking is provided to promote cycling to the events

  • Medal

Optional extras

  • ICS Band £22.94
  • Personalised medal insert

  • Age 18 & over
  • Entries open
  • Enter online

Entry fees

Early bird entry fee

£32.00

Early bird entry fee

£34.00

A really great event. I used it as prep for an upcoming marathon and it was perfect for this, but also a great race in its own right. Having 5 laps made it great for pacing and it’s nearly completely flat so a fast course. Water (in paper cups) and gels every lap. Really well Marshalled. There were some fast guys and girls due to it being inter county championships, but it’s such a friendly event and suitable for all. Nick C

Great music around the course. Sandra W

First time I've run this course, thought I'd find the laps a bit boring but really enjoyed the mental challenge of running the loops. Really well organised, lots of goodies at the end, great medal, loads of parking and easy to get to and get away from. Would definately recommend as a pre-marathon training race. Was amazing to see the elite runners breezing past as they were competing for the top spots, over all a great Sunday morning run and well worth the entry fee. Well done organisers and thank you to all the volunteers who helped make it happen. Hayley R

A really great event. I used it as prep for an upcoming marathon and it was perfect for this, but also a great race in its own right. Having 5 laps made it great for pacing and it’s nearly completely flat so a fast course. Water (in paper cups) and gels every lap. Really well Marshalled. There were some fasts guys and girls due to it being inter county championships, but it’s such a friendly event and suitable for all. Nick C

What you expected was what you got. Easy to park and register. Flat course, 5 laps, decent surface (few lumps and bumps); good atmosphere, well-marshalled, actually enjoyed running alongside the 5km and 10km race because there was plenty of room for everyone. Inter-Counties competition added to the interest of the overall event. Definitely one we would recommend. Neil O

Reviews thanks to RaceCheck