The partnership sees one of South Essex’s most celebrated employers lend its support to a cause that touches the lives of families right across the community they both call home.

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 close to 3,000 runners from across the South East, the wider UK, and as far afield as Europe and the USA.

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.

Ipeco’s sponsorship will help Havens Hospices make 2026 its biggest and most impactful race yet. 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.

Ipeco has been a longstanding supporter of the charity, also serving as the presenting partner of Havens Hospices’ public art trail fundraiser, Waddle-on-Sea, in 2025, and sponsoring an elephant sculpture for Herd in the City, the charity’s second art trail in 2023.

Steve Johnson, CEO of Ipeco, said: “Being Presenting Partner of the Southend Half Marathon is something we’re incredibly proud of. Havens Hospices provides vital care to families across our community, and this event is a powerful way to bring people together to support them.”

Lucy Lock, Community Engagement Manager at Havens Hospices, said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Ipeco as our presenting partner for this very special milestone year. Reaching our 30th race is a tremendous achievement, and having the support of a respected local business like Ipeco means the world to us. Their commitment demonstrates just how much the Southend Half Marathon means to this community – and together, we can make 2026 our most impactful event yet, raising the vital funds that allow us to be there for every family that needs us.”

After selling out for two consecutive years, organisers are encouraging runners to register early to secure their place. Entry fees start from £36, with a ‘Havens Hero’ option available for an additional £16 donation – covering the cost of half an hour of essential hospice care for a patient. Every finisher will receive a commemorative 30th anniversary medal.

To register and for more information, visit www.havenshospices.org.uk/southendhalf.

Published on 1st April 2026