More than 1,800 runners lined up at the start line of the much-loved event in support of Essex’s only children’s hospice, Little Havens, which provides expert, compassionate care to babies, children and young adults across the county.
The event, which has raised more than 30,000 so far, brought runners from across the county and country to the city of Chelmsford to complete either 13.1 or 26.2 miles through some of Chelmsford’s most scenic routes, starting and finishing in Central Park.
The fastest male in the Chelmsford Half Marathon was Jordan Thomson, finishing in 1 hour 14 minutes 14 seconds, with Lauren Walton taking the title of fastest female in 1 hour 29 minutes 21 seconds. In the full Marathon, Neil Barnett was the fastest male, with a time of 2 hours 34 minutes 4 seconds, and Melanie Staley was the fastest female, finishing in 3 hours 9 minutes 46 seconds.
Little Havens must raise 82,000 every week to be there for every baby, child and young adult who needs them. With 25% of the young people it cares for living in mid Essex, the support shown by runners, volunteers and crowds in Chelmsford helps make that care possible for families in the local area like Teddy’s.
Teddy’s mum, Jasmine said, “If we didn’t have Little Havens, our lives would be very difficult. Their care at the hospice and in our home gives us both an opportunity to recharge and for Teddy to build bonds with people that aren’t just his immediate family.”
Lucy Lock, Community Fundraising Manager, said, “Over the years we have loved seeing the Chelmsford Marathon and Half grow into a much-loved event within the city, and it has been amazing to see more and more people come together to run and support the event.
“The atmosphere this year was incredible. With thousands of runners on the course and spectators cheering on every at corner, it really showed what Chelmsford can do when it comes together.
“We’d like to say a huge thank you to Essex & Suffolk Water for keeping our runners hydrated, to Virgin Active for getting them warmed up before the start, and to Revive Health for providing post-race massages. Thank you also to our volunteers, our pacers, and the community and running groups who joined us, including Chelmsford Ladies Circle, Leigh Striders, Fordy Runners and Springfield Striders. We couldn’t put on an event like this without you.”
To find out more about the charity’s upcoming running events, including Race4Business in Chelmsford and its flagship Southend Half Marathon, follow Havens Hospices Fundraising on Facebook, Havens Hospices on Instagram or visit www.havenshospices.org.uk/events.
Published on 28th October 2026
