RTC Events
Rochford Half Marathon
Next Race: 08/02/2026
Rochford Sqaure - West street, Rochford, Essex
The Rochford Half Marathon – New for 2026
Get ready to take on 13.1 miles of scenic countryside through some of the most picturesque parts of Essex. The Rochford Half Marathon is a brand-new event for 2026, starting and finishing in the historic heart of Rochford Square, before leading runners on a beautiful rural route through the surrounding villages of Great Stambridge, Canewdon and back to Rochford.
This is more than just another half marathon — it’s a celebration of community, countryside, and commitment. Whether you’re sharpening up for a spring marathon, chasing a new PB, or taking on your very first half, this course offers the perfect mix of fast flats, gentle undulations, and open-road rhythm.
Event Details
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Date: Sunday 8th February 2026
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Location: Rochford Square, Rochford, Essex
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Distance: 13.1 miles / Half Marathon
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Start Time: 09.30AM sharp
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Cut-Off Time: 3 hours
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Entry Limit: 500 runners only
Starting and finishing in Rochford Square, runners will head out through West Street and into the quiet rural lanes that weave through the Stambridge and Canewdon countryside. Expect wide-open fields, charming village scenes, and a real sense of local spirit as you make your way around this stunning road course.
It’s a scenic and mainly flat route, perfect for pacing practice or a strong early-season performance. The final stretch back into Rochford promises an energetic atmosphere, with crowd support, finish-line buzz, and that unbeatable sense of achievement as you cross the line.
Why Run the Rochford Half?
Perfect Spring Marathon Tune-Up
The timing makes it ideal preparation for The Southend Marathon, giving you the perfect chance to test your endurance, pacing, and nutrition on race day conditions.
Rural but Rapid
A fast, well-measured route on quiet country roads — scenic, spacious, and great for rhythm running.
Community Spirit
Organised by RTC Events & JBR Run & Tri Club, the Rochford Half brings together runners, volunteers, and local residents for a welcoming, professionally run event with that small-town heart.
Limited Entry – No Overcrowding
With just 500 places available, every runner gets space to breathe, perform, and enjoy the day.
Iconic Finish in Rochford Square
You’ll finish where it all began — surrounded by cheers, smiles, and a medal that marks the start of a new Essex running tradition.
Entries Open: Sunday 9 November 2025
This is a brand-new event for Essex — and it will sell out fast.
Be part of history and join us for the first-ever Rochford Half Marathon.
Location
Directions
Travelling to Rochford by Car
Destination Postcode: SS4 1AY (Rochford Train Station)
Event Start/Finish Location: Rochford Square, West Street, Rochford, Essex
From the M25 (London Orbital Motorway):
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Exit the M25 at Junction 29 for the A127 Southend Arterial Road
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Follow the A127 for approx. 20 miles, heading towards Southend
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At the Cuckoo Corner Roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto the A1159
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Follow signs for Rochford / London Southend Airport
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At the next major roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Hall Road (B1013)
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Continue straight through multiple mini-roundabouts
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Turn right onto West Street for Rochford Square
Parking Options:
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Rochford Train Station Car Park SS4 1AY - Fee Payable
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Back Lane Car Park Rochford SS4 1AY - Free on Sunday
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Freight House Car Park, Rochford SS4 1AS - Free on Sunday
All are within 5 minutes’ walk of the start area.
Travelling to Rochford by Train
Rochford is served by Greater Anglia on the Liverpool Street to Southend Victoria line.
From London Liverpool Street:
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Direct trains to Rochford Station run every 20–30 minutes
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Journey time: approx. 55 minutes
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No changes required – it’s a straight shot on the Southend Victoria Line
From Southend Victoria:
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5-minute journey westbound to Rochford
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Trains run regularly in both directions
Rochford Station is directly opposite the Registration HQ (Parish Council Hall) and just a 2-minute walk to the start line at Rochford Square.
