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, Wallasea, 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

• Date: Sunday 8th February 2026

• Location: Rochford Square, Rochford, Essex

• Distance: 13.1 miles / Half Marathon

• Start Time: 09.30AM sharp

• Cut-Off Time: 3 hours

• 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 a Spring 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.

ROUTE & RACE INFO

• 13-mile scenic course through Rochford and surrounding villages

• Open roads (except for the start area and Bradley Way, which will be temporarily closed)

• Marshalled route with key signage and support

• Water stations at 6km, 12.5km and 16.6km approx and at the finish line

• Chip timing provided for accurate results

• Bespoke finisher medal

• Free downloadable event photos

• Registration is now closed. There is a waiting list you can join.

REGISTRATION

• Opens at 8AM at the The Freight House, Bradley Way, Rochford, Essex SS4 1BU next to Rochford Train Station

• Race numbers and timing chips collected from the registration  

• Please bring your entry confirmation 

• All participants must complete Competitor Information on the back of their race number

• Final race day instructions will be sent via email prior to the event

BAG DROP - Freight House, Bradley Way, Rochford, Essex SS4 1BU

• Tear-off bag tag on your race number

• Drop location details will be sent in the final email

• Please do not leave valuables – items are left at your own risk

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

• UK Athletics Permit number - #30495

• Age limit: 17 and over

• Dogs are not permitted on the course

•  All runners must confirm they are medically fit to participate. Do not run if unwell.

•  No deferrals or refunds permitted, we reccomend you take out booking protection at time of booking

• Acceptance of Conditions - By entering this event you warrant that to the best of your knowledge that you are medically fit to do so and that you have no medical disability that could endanger yourself or others by taking part and will not run if you are unfit on the day. You understand and agree that the organisers will not be liable for any loss, damage, injury or illness, however caused as a consequence of entering this event.

• The Participant acknowledges that participation in the Event is physically strenuous. It is acknowledged that participation in the Event will be physically demanding and the Participant is aware of the nature of the Event and associated medical and physical risks involved.

• While the Event Organiser takes every care with the staging of the Event, the Participant acknowledges that personal accident and personal items insurance is his or her sole responsibility.

• All decisions and rulings by the Event Organiser, its employees and its agents are considered final. Accordingly, the Participant will comply with all Event rules and all instructions and guidelines given by stewards, marshals, and safety personnel. The Participant acknowledges and agrees that the Event Organiser will organise and run the Event and will have sole authority and be the final arbiter on all decisions relating to the safety, running and organisation of the Event, the rules of the Event, the timings/finish times and the placing’s.

• There will be event photographers on the course, by entering this event you are giving your consent to your picture being taken of which may then be posted on any social media and event websites or partners therein.

• The Event Organiser will use best endeavours to provide an Event finish time for the Participant however it cannot be held responsible for any computer result anomalies or any technical malfunctions.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

By entering this event, you confirm:

• You are medically fit and accept full responsibility for your health on race day

• Age limit: 17 and over on race day

• You understand this is a physically demanding event on open roads

• You accept all event rules, marshal instructions, and timing decisions

• You agree to photos being taken and shared on social media or partner websites

• RTC Events accepts no responsibility for personal belongings or chip timing anomalies

• All decisions by the organisers are final

CONTACT

info@rtcevents.co.uk
Please quote “RHM2026” in your message.