On 2nd July, the event, organised by Havens Hospices, drew participants from around 70 local companies, all running to support Little Havens, the charity’s children’s hospice.
The hospice provides specialist care and support for babies, children and young people across Essex, both in family homes across the county and within the hospice in Benfleet.
Now in its 26th year, Race4Business has become a flagship event in the community’s corporate calendar. With a 5K course through Chelmsford’s picturesque Central and Admirals parks, the race is a high-energy evening of teamwork and charity.
The evening began with a lively warm-up courtesy of Virgin Active Chelmsford, while Essex Hits presenter and Havens Hospices Patron Su Harrison welcomed runners to the start line. Before the race, participants heard a moving speech from Kassie Tibble, a Little Havens nurse, who shared: “People often assume that children’s hospice care is only about sadness or saying goodbye. But at Little Havens, what surprises people most is the joy. We play. We paint. We laugh. We celebrate. It’s a place full of life, love, and memory-making – where every day really does count. From all of us at Little Havens – thank you. You are part of something truly special.”
R.C. Boreham, an agricultural dealership based in Chelmsford, were in attendance once again at the race. Little Havens is a charity close to R.C Boreham’s heart and they know how much of a positive impact the charity’s care has on families. The Partners of the business have a family member who receives care at Little Havens Hospice.
Anna Hunter, one of the Partners at R.C. Boreham & Co said, “Everyone at the company enjoys participating in Race4Business – it’s a relaxed and fun event, with great support along the route! The charity is close to our hearts,and we see the impact of the support and care the fabulous Little Havens has on our very own Evie, and her family.”
Following the race, awards were handed to the fastest teams, with ADM taking the top prize and the largest team prize went to Essex & Suffolk Water with a team of 50.
The fastest male was Max Caulfield from Titon UK, finishing in 17 minutes and 36 seconds and the fastest female was Jackie Stretton from Teledyne E2V, finishing in 18 minutes and 37 seconds.
Rachel Hawksworth, Deputy Head of Fundraising at Havens Hospices, praised the event’s incredible turnout:
“Thanks to the money raised, we’re able to be by the side of hundreds of families across Essex, helping them make the most of every day when they thought they had nowhere else to turn.
“Year on year, the enthusiasm shown by the business community is heartwarming. It is thanks to businesses like yours that we can continue to make every day count for the children and young people we care for across Essex.
“We would also like to pass on our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all the volunteer marshals, our Patron Su Harrison for her commentary, Virgin Active Chelmsford, and Kassie for speaking so passionately about Little Havens, our DJ Alice and Essex & Suffolk Water for keeping our runners hydrated. Not forgetting our Race4Business 2025 sponsors Fastwarm, Ascend Broking Group, Tangent, Fiserv, Birketts, Rickard Luckin and Solopress. Without all your support, this event wouldn’t be possible.”
Race4Business will return in 2026, with bookings going live soon. Stay up to date by following @HavensEvents on Facebook.
Published on 4th July 2025
