Beaulieu residents and Countryside staff were among the 971 runners who took part in this year’s Chelmsford Marathon and new Half Marathon, on Sunday 17 October. Sponsored by Chelmsford’s major Beaulieu development, participants ran in aid of much-loved charity, Havens Hospices.

Runners gathered early on Sunday morning to complete either the 13.1 or 26.2 mile running routes, which started from Chelmsford High Street, through the streets of Chelmsford out into the picturesque Essex countryside, before reaching the finishing line in Central Park.

Beaulieu residents and Countryside staff helped to raise vital funds for the Essex-based charity, which will help them to continue to provide palliative nursing and supportive care to children and adults living with complex or incurable conditions, and their families.

Countryside’s Dan Hearn completed the half marathon in an impressive time of 1hour 38 minutes, alongside fellow colleagues Alice Egan, David Wilson, Corey Layton and Sam Harding, who was dressed as Countryside mascot, Connie.

Dan said: “It was a great event and clearly very well supported on the day. I do run regularly to keep fit but this was one of the first running events that I have participated in. I beat the time I initially set for myself, finishing in 1 hour and 38 minutes, which I’m delighted about. It was great to see so many people, including Countryside staff and Beaulieu residents taking part and supporting such a worthwhile charity. There was a fantastic atmosphere on the day, really enjoyable.”