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St Helena Hospice Half Marathon and 10k

St Helena Hospice Half Marathon and 10k

4th

OCT

2026

Harwich

4th October

9:30

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Event information

On your marks!

The St Helena Hospice Half Marathon is back! And this year, it’s bigger than ever… 

After the incredible success of the 2025 half marathon, we’re adding a 10K race to the 2026 line-up, too. Both races are a great way to support St Helena Hospice whilst keeping active.  

Both races are open to all runners, aged 17 and over.  
 
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Entry fees

We have a range of entry fees for the Half Marathon and 10k - depending on whether you’re registered with England Athletics or not.

Our St Helena Hospice Hero pricing is an optional extra - a contribution you can choose to make to further support St Helena Hospice.

Half Marathon

Non-England Athletics registered: £33

England Athletics registered: £31

St Helena Hospice Hero: £43

10k

Non-England Athletics registered: £27

England Athletics registered: £25

St Helena Hospice Hero: £37

If you want to support St Helena Hospice even further, any sponsorship you can raise would be gratefully received. Sponsorship can be raised alongside, or in addition to, a St Helena Hospice Hero entry fee.

If you do choose to raise sponsorship, we suggest a target of £50 per person.

At point of registration, an Enthuse Fundraising Page will be automatically created for you to utilise, update and share with family, friends and on socials if you would like to fundraise.  

During registration, why not purchase a race event t-shirt and collect this ahead of the event to run in on the day. Another way to show your support of St Helena Hospice. 

Both races will take place through the streets and promenade of Harwich on Sunday 4th October 2026.
You can view the route map here.

Parking is available on the day at both Harwich and Dovercourt High School, and Mayflower Primary School. Further details to follow ahead of race day as we ask all local runners to make their own way to the start.

Our Race HQ will be located at Low Road Grass Car Park (CO12 3TA) which will include registration on the day, toilets, well-earned refreshments and a great way to meet others ahead of the race start.

All runners will receive a race medal. 

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St Helena supporters taking a selfie at the 2025 Harwich Half Marathon

Help us by volunteering

These type of events do not happen without the amazing support of our local community. If you are able to volunteer and marshal on race day, please email us fundraising@sthelena.org.uk. Thank you.

Read our St Helena Hospice Half Marathon T&Cs here and our FAQs below.

General Info

Do I have to sign up and fundraise like other St Helena events?

No, this event is registration only with no fundraising target.

However, we invite all runners to support St Helena Hospice and when registering will have an Enthuse Fundraising Page created. By raising just £50 you can help ensure St Helena Hospice continue to provide vital services to the community of north east Essex.

What is the Enthuse fundraising page created?
This fundraising page is automatically created for all runners and allows anyone to fundraise if they wish to, giving them the opportunity to start raising funds easily and quickly.  
I haven't heard of the St Helena Hospice Half Marathon and 10k before.
This is only the second year of the St Helena Hospice Half Marathon and in 2026 we are adding the 10k race distance.

Race Info

Where is the St Helena Hospice Half Marathon taking place?
It's taking place in Harwich, Essex.
What time do the races start?
The half marathon will start at 9.30am and the 10k will start at 9.50am.
Where are the start of the races?
The start of the half marathon is around a 5-10 minute walk from parking and Race HQ located at the bottom of Marine Parade close to The Waterfront Harwich (CO12 3ST).

The 10k race will start between Louvain Road and Abbott Road on the left hand side of the road facing towards Low Road/Gravel Hill Way following the same route as the half marathon.
What is the route?

The half marathon will follow a double loop taking you from the start along Low Road, into Gravel Hill Way, right into Abbott Road before joining Low Road again heading towards the start location and into old Harwich. You will join the promenade and loop the same route again before reaching the end of lap 2 you will proceed along the promenade towards the finish. The finish is located at the end of West End Lane point.

The 10k route will be 1 lap with a different start position as mentioned above.

Road closures will be in place.

With the route all on roads or promenade, we recommend road shoes for this event.

Click here for the route map

Is there a cut off time?
Road closures will only be in place for 4 hours. 
Can I wear headphones when running?
Headphones are not allowed under England Athletic rules but bone-conducting types are currently permitted. 
Will there be water stations?
Water stations will be positioned along the route and clearly marked on the route map ahead of the event. All race day information will be sent prior to race day to ensure you are fully prepared. 
Where can I put my rubbish?
Bins will be located at our water stations and we ask all runners to support the event by utilising these at each point. Any rubbish and used items such as energy gels, sweets, etc. can be disposed of at these locations. 
Marshals and signage?
Throughout the course, marshals and signage will be in place to guide you through the route. Please adhere to all instructions and signage to ensure the health and safety of yourself and your fellow runners.  

Venue Info, Parking & Facilities

Where is parking available?
Parking is available at Harwich & Dovercourt High School located at the lower entrance of Hall Lane. Postcode is CO12 3TG.

Additional parking is available at Mayflower Primary School located off main road. Postcode is CO12 4AG.
Where is the Race HQ?
Race HQ is located close to the parking and main start of race. This can be found on Low Road Grass Car Park outside Dovercourt bay Lifestyles - CO12 3TA.
What is at the Race HQ?
If you were unable to collect your race number before the day of the race, you can do so on the day from 8.30am (please bring ID). We will have catering available, stalls and lots of fun for all the family. 
Is there a secure baggage area?
No, we advise to arrive race ready and utilise family/friends for personal belongings. However, a small bag drop facility will be available but not securely manned.
Are there any changing facilities?
There are no changing facilities available. 
Are there toilets at the race?
The Race HQ has toilets available. Public toilets are located at start area and on route within cliff park.  
Where are the best places for spectators to watch?
There will be opportunities to spectate across the entire route. The low road and gravel hill areas can become busy, therefore Cliff Park and Old Harwich areas including the seafront will all be great places to see family and friends run past. 

Entry Info, Transfers & Deferrals

Can I enter on the day?
Yes, but only if the maximum capacity of 1500 runners is not reached.
What is the difference between 'affiliated' and 'unaffiliated'?
Runners who are members of a UK Athletics affiliated running club are ‘affiliated’ runners; if you are not a member, then you are ‘unaffiliated’. 
How old do you have to be to enter?
As per the UK Athletics guidelines, the minimum age limit for the Half-Marathon race is 17 years and over. 
Is there a maximum capacity to the event?
Yes, once 1500 runners are reached the event will fulfil its race day capacity.  
Are race t-shirts available?

Yes, you can purchase a race event t-shirt through the registration process. The design will be shared close to race day.

The t-shirts can be collected ahead of race day and details will be shared of days/times via email.

Can I walk the St Helena Hospice Half Marathon?
As this is a running based based event we strongly encourage all participants if required to run/walk the event. The half marathon is a challenge suited to both fairly new runners and experienced runners. This supports road closures and timings associated to this, plus the overall health and safety of all runners as the route will be filled with a variety of runners on race day and lends itself to narrow sections in places.
Can I run with a buggy?
As per the UK Athletics Licence Standards, running with a buggy is not permitted at UKA Licensed events – so we are unable to allow buggy runners at our events. 
Can I transfer my entry to a friend or family member?
Yes, we are accepting transfers. This must be completed 4 weeks prior to race day – 6th August.
Can I defer my entry to the next year?
We are not accepting deferrals for future events.
I can no longer make the event; can I get a refund?
Unfortunately, we are unable to offer refunds for our event as per our terms and conditions.  

Timing Info, results & event photos

How is the race timed?
Our race will be chip timed via your race number (please do not tamper with your chip).
When will I receive my race number?
Nice Work our partner for this event as Race Management Company will be posting race packs to all runners ahead of the event. If you sign up after the cut off date for this, race packs can be collected on race day from Race HQ.
How do I attach my timing chip?
Your timing chip is incorporated into your race number and should not be removed. Please place the race number on the front of your vest/shirt and not on your leg or back. 
How do I attach my race number?
Please attach your race number to the front of your running top or vest using safety pins or clips, securing it on all four corners. Please don’t attach your number to the back of your shirt as it is difficult for our timekeepers and marshals to identify you.
Where can I find race photos?
Photos will be shared on the St Helena Hospice Facebook page, and we will share this link with you.  
When and where can I get race results?
We will endeavour to have results available and uploaded to the Nice Works website shortly after the event has finished. There will also be a link on the St Helena Hospice website. 
What if I cannot collect my race number before the race?
If you do not collect your race pack before race day, please come to the registration desk at the race HQ/event village and we will issue your race number then. Ideally, we would like runners to collect in the lead up to the race. 

Event Sponsors

Sponsorship opportunities available to local businesses

If you would like to know more information on becoming one of our Corporate Sponsors of the event, please get in touch with Marcus Poston mposton@sthelena.org.uk or Ruth Jennings rjennings@sthelena.org.uk.

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We are very grateful to our donors who offer to offset some of these fees with a minor addition to their total amount. This is however completely optional and we are very grateful for your support whether or not you choose to contribute to processing fees.

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We are able to claim an extra 25p on every £1 on your donation amount for no extra cost to you, as long as you are a UK tax payer; have paid enough income tax or capital gains tax in that tax year; and are donating your own money. If you pay less income tax and/or capital gains tax than the amount of Gift Aid claimed on all of your donations in that tax year it is your responsibility to pay any difference. For more information about Gift Aid, please visit https://www.gov.uk/donating-to-charity/gift-aid
 

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