Halstead Road Runners are celebrating after their annual marathon event was voted as one of the top three over the 26-mile 385-yard distance in the country in a prestigious national poll.

The Halstead Marathon, which also incorporates the Essex Marathon Championships every year, is organised by members of Halstead Road Runners and has been voted the third best UK Marathon in a recent UK Runners World Poll.

The marathon has consistently been voted inside the top ten over recent years and has once again out performed the iconic London Marathon and all other UK city marathons. The poll is based on votes from readers of the UK’s largest running magazine Runners World.

What makes this achievement even more special is that the entire event, now in its 21st year, is organised solely by members of the Halstead club.

Race director Keith Thorogood (pictured below) said: “To claim third place is just amazing.

“We’ve worked so hard over the past few years and pride our marathon on its personal touches and friendly atmosphere.

“For that to be recognised in such a way is very special and to have beaten all of the city marathons including London is wonderful.”