Southend Half Marathon 2026

Now in its 30th year, the Southend Half Marathon takes place on Sunday 14th June 2026, starting and finishing at East Beach, Shoeburyness. The 13.1-mile route follows the estuary coastline, offering a fast, flat and traffic-free course that attracts 3,000 runners from across the South East, the wider UK, and as far afield as Europe and the USA.

Travelling by train? Runners receive free c2c train travel to and from Shoeburyness – just show your race bib or finishers’ medal at the gateline or when asked to qualify!

The event is a flagship fundraiser for Havens Hospices, which provides free specialist, compassionate care for children, young people and adults living with incurable conditions across Essex. Over its three decades, the race has raised an extraordinary £1.8 million for the charity, directly supporting thousands of local families at the most difficult moments of their lives.

The charity must raise more than £208,000 every week to continue delivering its vital services, and the Southend Half Marathon plays a critical role in sustaining that funding.

The Southend Half Marathon has officially sold out once again, with thousands of runners set to take on the seafront course in support of Havens Hospices this June. While all race places have now gone, there is still an opportunity for the local community to be part of this much-loved event by volunteering on race weekend. We are currently looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help with a variety of roles including marshalling, water stations, event set-up and cheering on runners along the route. Volunteering is a fantastic way to support the event, meet new people and experience the incredible atmosphere of race day. Anyone interested in getting involved can find out more and apply online via their website here https://www.havenshospices.org.uk/join-us/volunteering/apply-to-volunteer/occasional-volunteer-roles/

The Southend Half Marathon has officially sold out once again, with thousands of runners set to take on the seafront course in support of Havens Hospices this June. While all race places have now gone, there is still an opportunity for the local community to be part of this much-loved event by volunteering on race weekend. We are currently looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help with a variety of roles including marshalling, water stations, event set-up and cheering on runners along the route. Volunteering is a fantastic way to support the event, meet new people and experience the incredible atmosphere of race day. Anyone interested in getting involved can find out more and apply online via their website below.