Whether you’re a seasoned runner, just breaking into the world of half marathons or lacing up your shoes in memory of a loved one, this is the perfect half marathon for you.
Havens Hospices is excited to be hosting our flagship event, the Southend Half Marathon on 8th June 2025.
Now in its 29th year, the race has raised over £1.5million for Havens Hospices.
Being a regular fixture in the South East running calendar, the race regularly attracts over 2,000 runners each year as well as numerous spectators who line the seafront route and start/finish area at East Beach, Shoeburyness. Runners take part from across the South East of England as well as the rest of the UK and as far afield as Europe, Hong Kong and the USA
Southend Half 2025 is kindly sponsored by:
Last year was a sell out so sign up early to ensure you’ve guaranteed your entry for 2025!
What makes this half marathon truly special is the impact each mile has on the families Havens Hospices cares for. With every step, you contribute to ‘Making every day count’ for people of all ages who are living with incurable conditions and their families.
Your entry fee covers the costs of running the event and this year we are asking participants to become a “Havens Hero” and purchase the Havens Hero entry tickets, which includes the cost of providing half an hour of essential care at the hospice, making a real difference for someone in need.
The two-lap course takes runners along the scenic coast with views over the Thames Estuary. The flat route is closed to traffic, which makes it ideal for experienced runners looking to achieve a personal best time as well as runners who are taking on their first half marathon. Wheelchair athletes are also welcome.
Pacers will be supporting runners to finish times of 1hr 30m, 1hr 45m, 2hrs, 2hrs 15m, 2hrs 30m.
The race is chip-timed, and all finishers will receive a bespoke medal. Trophies are also awarded for individuals and teams.
This is a UK Athletics approved event.
For health and safety ordinarily buggies and assisted wheelchairs are prohibited, please contact the race organiser - southendhalf@havenshospices.org.uk
Water soaked sponges are no longer provided on the course.
For health and safety reasons, transfers are not permitted without written consent from the race organisers. Should you wish to transfer your place to another runner this must be requested by email to llock@havenshospices.org.uk for consideration prior to 8th May 2025. No transfers will be permitted after this date.
We strongly urge runners not to wear headphones during the race. Although the roads are closed to traffic there are occasions when vehicles have to be given access to the course and it’s important that runners can hear marshal instruction
There are numerous hotels and Bed & Breakfasts along the seafront including The Camelia Hotel, The Roslin Hotel, Suenos, the Premier Inn
C2C Shoeburyness station is less than 5 minutes walk from the start line.
Head Coach Jim Dodsworth at 651 Running has kindly provided some tips for approaching a half marathon, you can read them here.
Jim from 651 Running has also recommended a 12 week training plan, to get you ready for the start line. If you want to follow the 12 week training plan it starts Sun 16th March. Download it here.
Little Havens helps to keep us sane, because we have got that place we can turn to when we need a bit of a break.Lynette, Alyssa's mum
