RUNNERS rejoiced as a popular marathon event returned following a two-year Covid hiatus.
The 26th Halstead and Essex Marathon took place last Sunday, May 8, returning after a two-year break due to the pandemic.
The race was a sell-out event, with 500 places sold to keen runners, as the traversed the 26.2 mile journey.
This year was the first event for the new organising committee, as it was hosted by the Halstead Road Runners, and headed up by race director Dan Hollinshead.
The route started and finished at the Leisure Centre, taking in the villages of Pebmarsh and Twinstead on the long a winding route.
What started out as a cool day quickly heated up, and the welcomed water stations were manned by other local running clubs from Tiptree, Witham, Michelle's Running Group and Braintree and District Athletics Club who all offered a much-needed service to the runners.
Pete Robinson from the Springfield Striders, led the way and was first home in a course record breaking time of 2:29:58, earning himself a £200 bonus.
The first lady to finish was Heidi Hogan-Steele from the Colchester Harriers in 3:03:49.
Mike Smith was the first Halstead Road Runner to finish, in a PB time of 3:12:32.
Mike had been training specifically for Halstead and was thrilled with his time and welcomed at the finish by the Halstead town councillor, Mick Radley.
One runner, Paul Hodges, had travelled all the way from Brisbane, Australia to get to the event.
Paul was travelling from Brisbane to Iceland via London and decided he’d like to try and complete his 94th marathon whilst in the UK.
Paul finished in 3:28:33 and then had to run all the way back to Braintree to catch his train.
Following the event, the organising committee said they are now looking forward to planning the 2023 event.
The organising committee now look forward to planning the 2023 event.
All event details can be found on The Halstead and Essex Marathon Facebook page.
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