A sea of marathon runners will return to the Chelmsford city centre this autumn to support hospice care for local children.

Once again Beaulieu, Countryside and L&Q’s flagship development in Chelmsford, is sponsoring Havens Hospices Chelmsford Marathon and Half Marathon. Runners will take over the city on Sunday 15th October 2023 starting from the Shire Hall running through the High Street and out to the surrounding countryside and finishing in the beautiful Central Park.

The popular 13.1-mile half marathon route will also return for those wanting to race a shorter distance.

Proceeds raised from the event will help support the charity’s work across the county, supporting children, young people and their families by offering end-of-life care, bereavement support, symptom management and respite stays in the family home or at the hospice, Little Havens.

Jane Hopkins, Community Engagement Manager at Havens Hospices said, “The Chelmsford Marathon is one of the biggest events in the Essex race calendar, a favourite with locals and runners across the country. Big events like this raise vital funds for our hospice care, and without the generosity of the public making donations and collecting sponsorship, we couldn’t provide specialist hospice care for hundreds of families. We must raise more than £85,000 each week to be there for everyone who needs us.

“Whether you’re looking to achieve a first half or full marathon, personal best, or run in memory of a loved one, the Chelmsford Marathon and Half is the perfect event for you. It’s also an excellent practice race for those looking to participate in next year’s London Marathon.

“If you think you have got what it takes, why not register today? Every mile will be truly ‘Making every day count’ for every child, young person and family relying on our care.”

Havens Hospices is thrilled to have Beaulieu Chelmsford back on board to sponsor this year’s event. Staff members and residents from Beaulieu will be coming on board once again to participate and support the charity.

Martin Leach, Managing Director, Strategic Land and Major Projects, Countryside said: “We are delighted to be continuing our support for our long-term charity partner, Havens Hospices, by sponsoring the Chelmsford Marathon again this year. It’s a hugely popular event which successfully brings the local community together, as well as runners from across the UK, raising much-needed funding for the provision of palliative care for young people and their families across Essex.”

Adam Simpson, Development & Project Management Director at L&Q, said: “The Marathon has quickly become a staple in our community at Beaulieu and, together with our partners, L&Q are proud to support it again this year. Each year it succeeds in bringing our residents and neighbours closer together, as well as encouraging active, healthy lifestyles, and promoting the good works of local charities.”

Online registration is now open for the Chelmsford Marathon and the Chelmsford Marathon Half. Visit the Havens Hospices website to sign up.

To find out more about Havens Hospices and how they are ‘Making every day count’ for those living with complex and incurable conditions across Essex, visit their website.