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Rochford Half Marathon

Rochford Sqaure - West street, Rochford, Essex

RTC Events

Rochford Half Marathon

Rochford Sqaure - West street, Rochford, Essex

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Overall Rating

4.5/ 5

66 reviews
Would you recommend it to others? Yes
How did you rate the scenery? 5/5
How did you rate the atmosphere? 5/5
How did you rate the organisation? 5/5
Do you think this was friendly to beginners? Yes

Joe Barnes

A very enjoyable half marathon

A really enjoyable event and will definitely consider running again next year. Pre-race organisation was great in terms of picking up bibs, dropping bags and getting to the start line. I thought the course was well thought out and presented interesting challenges with gradual elevation. I thought the course was perhaps lacking one too few official water stations, but there was at least one kind family dishing out cups of water to runners outside their home. I wasn't too bothered by the traffic on the way round, but I do believe it could have been better managed in the final 500 metres or so, especially as you went to make the final right turn towards the finishing line. At this point, I had to essentially squeeze through a very small gap between a parked car and several cars trying to pass through the road. I appreciate it's a tough ask of the local authorities to close roads, but that is one area I'd to see addressed ahead of next year.

Reviewed using Eventrac, Feb 2026
Organiser comment:

Thanks Joe, really appreciate you taking the time to leave such detailed and constructive feedback. We’re pleased you enjoyed the event overall and that the pre-race organisation and course design came across well. Your comments around water station spacing and the final section into the finish are noted and understood, and they align with areas we’re already reviewing as part of our planning for future editions, including how traffic is managed near the finish. Thank you again for your support and thoughtful input, and we hope to welcome you back next year.

Richard Tanner

Good first efforts

I enjoyed the event and thought the Marshalls were very friendly.
That said the event went ahead in almost perfect conditions but if there was any fog or ice I would have concerns over the safety of the event and it would also be much better as a closed road run. Also another toilet or two at the start would be beneficial.
Finally whilst I appreciate there were a few pacers they were almost impossible to spot and not sure why they did not run with a timed flag like on other runs I have completed.

Reviewed using Eventrac, Feb 2026
Organiser comment:

Thanks Richard, really appreciate you taking the time to leave balanced and constructive feedback. We’re pleased you enjoyed the event and found the marshals friendly and supportive. We do have full contingency plans in place for adverse weather such as ice or fog, however conditions on the day were very favourable. Your comments around road closures are understood and align with what we are actively pursuing for future editions. On toilets, there was a miscommunication around facilities which impacted availability at the start and this will be addressed. Feedback on pacer visibility is also noted, and we’ll look at clearer identification going forward. Thanks again for your input and support, it’s genuinely helpful as we continue to develop the event.

Crane Rebecca

Friendly from start to finish

A couple more toilets??

Reviewed using Eventrac, Feb 2026
Organiser comment:

Thanks Rebecca, really appreciate you taking the time to leave feedback. We’re delighted you found the event friendly from start to finish. On toilets, we acknowledge this was impacted by a miscommunication around facilities on the morning and this will be improved for future events. Thank you again for your support.

Julia Cohen

Brilliant run! Can't wait for next one

I loved this run, it had the classic killer hill of canewden and some gentle declines. The weather was perfect and the amount of water stations were perfect. My only concern was the tight bends.
At creeksea ferry road just before 4x4 driving centre, there are 2 sharp blind bends. Runners were running to and from the turn around point at wallasea and elite runners were in a dangerous position running round these two bends straight onto traffic. Please can next run have Marshalls before and after the corners to advise traffic. Also there was a 4x4 driving event on which happens once a month of which the land rovers were speeding past the runners.
But overall the atmosphere and scenery was amazing. Thank you Jon and volunteers!!!

Reviewed using Eventrac, Feb 2026
Organiser comment:

Thanks Julia, really appreciate you taking the time to leave such detailed and thoughtful feedback. We’re delighted you enjoyed the run, the route profile and the atmosphere on the day. Your comments about the tight blind bends and traffic interactions are fully understood and noted, marshalling placement in those areas is something we will review carefully, alongside our ongoing work to pursue road closures for future editions. Thank you again for the kind words and support, and a big thank you from all the volunteers as well.

Shane Ketteridge

Rochford is awesome!

Having done many half marathons over the last few years I can honestly say this was one of my favourite events. For a first time event it was brilliant and the scenery was lovely. There was a few traffic issues (mainly due to impatient drivers) but overall this event was a total success and I’d totally recommend it.

Reviewed using Eventrac, Feb 2026
Organiser comment:

Thanks Shane, that’s fantastic feedback and really appreciated. We’re delighted to hear this ranked as one of your favourite events, especially as a first edition. Your comments around traffic are understood, and we’re pleased the overall experience still came through positively. Thanks again for the recommendation and support, and we hope to welcome you back again.

Matthew Bland

Excellent Race and well organised.

Everything was close by e.g parking, Toilets , registration and start/finish. The only thing I can think of would extra toilets. Having the portable Urinals for me would have cut down the queues. Hope to be back next year

Reviewed using Eventrac, Feb 2026
Organiser comment:

Thanks Matthew, really appreciate the positive feedback. We’re pleased you found everything well organised and conveniently laid out on the day. Your suggestion around additional toilets and portable urinals is noted and something we’ll look to include in future planning. Thanks again for the support and we hope to see you back next year.

Tessa Hagger

Great route, would do again!

Lovely route and scenery and well organised, would 100% do this run again. The toilets at the start were a bit of a issue but hopefully that can be sorted for next time. Marshals were all very friendly and supportive along the way and everyone running was generally chatty along the route and supportive to other fellow runners. Lots of the public were out the front of their houses cheering us all on. There were some drivers who seemed not so supportive and a few arguments between cars and cyclists so perhaps earlier warning may have helped, but you can't please everyone. Looking forward to the next one. Thanks

Reviewed using Eventrac, Feb 2026
Organiser comment:

Thanks Tessa, really appreciate you taking the time to leave such detailed and positive feedback. We’re delighted you enjoyed the route, scenery and atmosphere, and that you’d happily do the run again. Your comments on toilets are noted, this was impacted by a miscommunication around facilities and will be improved for future events. We’re pleased the marshals, fellow runners and local support made the day enjoyable, and your points around traffic and advance warning are understood and will be considered as we continue to develop the event. Thanks again for your support and we look forward to welcoming you back.

Steve Turner

Very enjoyable race.

Was a good first event, well organised and a great course and venue. Only negative could maybe have more toilets available in future. It did seem there was far more traffic than we had at the 10 mile event something out of your control but except for a couple of impatient idiots driving too fast and close on purpose most drivers were considerate, closed roads would be great but I'm guessing the race isn't big enough to afford that luxury.

Reviewed using Eventrac, Feb 2026
Organiser comment:

Thanks Steve, really appreciate you taking the time to leave such balanced feedback. We’re pleased you enjoyed the course, venue and overall organisation. Your comments on toilets are noted and will be addressed for future events. On traffic, we understand the frustrations around open roads, and while most drivers were considerate, your feedback reinforces why we are actively pursuing road closures as the event grows. Thanks again for your support and honest input.

Alastair Kendrick

It was a nice half marathon but it was on country lanes with views of fields.

I was concerned beforehand about it being on open roads but this was not a major problem until we got around Canewdon and particularly the stage in which you had runners running out and back on the same stretch of road with cars trying to get through the middle. In my view that section needed far more marshalling it was dangerous.
I thought the number of toilets provided at the start was totally inadequate given the number of runners
Not everything went well

Reviewed using Eventrac, Feb 2026
Organiser comment:

Thank you for taking the time to leave honest feedback. We’re pleased you enjoyed the run overall, but we fully acknowledge your concerns around safety on the open road sections, particularly where runners were running out and back alongside traffic. Marshalling and road safety in those areas are points we take seriously and will continue to review, alongside our ongoing work to pursue road closures for future editions. Your comments on toilet provision are also noted, this was impacted by a miscommunication around facilities and will be addressed going forward. We appreciate you sharing your experience openly, feedback like this is important in helping us improve the event.

Neil Kilbey

Well organised run

Reviewed using Eventrac, Feb 2026
Organiser comment:

Thanks Neil, I really appreciate you taking the time to leave your feedback. It’s great to hear you felt the run was well organised and beginner friendly, and thank you for sharing your thoughts on the scenery, atmosphere and organisation. Feedback like this is genuinely helpful as we look to keep improving the event, and I hope to see you at another RTC event in the future.

James Attenborough

Brilliant race

Wonder if there is an alternative route to prevent clashes with traffic, perhaps using the king Edmund school like the Essex 20 used to?

Reviewed using Eventrac, Feb 2026
Organiser comment:

Thanks James, really appreciate you taking the time to leave such positive feedback, we’re delighted you enjoyed the race and rated the scenery, atmosphere and organisation so highly. Your comment about traffic is completely fair, and we are already actively exploring closed road options for future editions as we agree this would make the event even safer and smoother for everyone. Thanks again for the suggestion and support, and we hope to welcome you back again.

Shan Britten

Everyone was made to feel welcome

While running the race director was driving towards me at stambridge and he was way to close to me I thought I was going to be hit as he was driving way to fast and not paying attention

Reviewed using Eventrac, Feb 2026
Organiser comment:

Good morning, although this was not the Race Director ( I know it wasn't because I was at the finish line ) nether the less, I am sorry you felt he was too close and it wasnt comfortable for you. I will pass this on. Ironically this is an event support vehicle.

Suzy Jacques

Friendly run, with encouragement from other runners throughout

Great support for a local residents and organised so well.
Thank you marshals

Reviewed using Eventrac, Feb 2026
Organiser comment:

Thanks Suzy, really lovely feedback to read. We’re pleased you found the run friendly and supportive, and that the encouragement from fellow runners came through on the day. Great to hear the organisation and local support stood out for you, our marshals will really appreciate the thanks. Thanks again for taking the time to leave a review and for supporting the event.

Chris Wright

Superb baring in mind new event. Will be back next year

Well organised, excellent Marshalls. Car traffic was controlled well.

For a first time event, absolutely spot on. Thank you to all involved

Reviewed using Eventrac, Feb 2026
Organiser comment:

Thanks Chris, that really means a lot, especially as a first-year event. We’re delighted you enjoyed the scenery and organisation and felt the marshals and traffic control worked well on the day. Huge thanks for the encouragement and support, and we’d love to welcome you back again next year.

Deborah Hall

Great expect, we’ll organise, excellent communications and absolutely brilliant well marshalled course. Thank you, I will be returning.

Reviewed using Eventrac, Feb 2026
Organiser comment:

Thanks Deborah, really appreciate you taking the time to leave such positive feedback. We’re delighted you enjoyed the event and found the communication and marshalling to be strong throughout the day. Thank you for the kind words and support, and we look forward to welcoming you back again.

Lynsey Gray

Great event. Well supported. Scenic route. Great atmosphere

More portaloos needed.

The pacers need to be more visible and were not easy to identify.

Reviewed using Eventrac, Feb 2026
Organiser comment:

Thanks Lynsey, really pleased to hear you enjoyed the event, the support, scenery and atmosphere on the day. Thank you as well for the constructive feedback, the need for more portaloos and clearer, more visible pacers is noted and will be addressed for future editions. We really appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts and hope to see you again

Suzi Brent

Lovely friendly event

The course is lovely. The marshals were great, it was organised well and the medal was stunning. The only problem was the last 3k where it isn't safe to run in the road because of the cars but the pavements are uneven with cars parked up them - quite a trip hazard. If this bit could be closed roads the race would be perfect.

Reviewed using Eventrac, Feb 2026
Organiser comment:

Thanks Suzi, really appreciate you taking the time to leave such thoughtful feedback. We’re pleased you enjoyed the course, the atmosphere, the marshalling and the medal. Your comments about the final section are completely valid, that area is something we are actively reviewing as we agree safety is paramount, and we are exploring closed road options to improve that part of the route. Thank you again for your support and honest input, it’s genuinely appreciated.

Karolina Conway

Excellent event

I loved the scenery, few local people came out and clap for the runners which was really uplifting and meaningful. Water stations were well spaced along the way, the marshals were exceptionally supportive. I loved every second of my run!!! Can not wait to do it again!!!

Reviewed using Eventrac, Feb 2026
Organiser comment:

Thanks Karolina, what a lovely review to read. We’re delighted you enjoyed the scenery and the atmosphere, and that the local support, water stations and marshals made such a positive impact on your run. Feedback like this really means a lot to everyone involved, and we’d be absolutely delighted to welcome you back again.

Gordon Andrews

A good run along country lanes which I found more challenging than the Southend Half Marathon due to the topography.due to the

The only problem I had was with completing the details on the reverse of my running bib. The very small print (a very light grey on the white background) was impossible to read. I had to ask someone to read the questions for me to complete the requried information and I was not the only one to have this problem. I appreciate that I wear glasses for reading, but a better choice of font and making the font black would have helped.

Reviewed using Eventrac, Feb 2026
Organiser comment:

Thanks Gordon, really appreciate you taking the time to leave such detailed and helpful feedback. We’re pleased you enjoyed the route and atmosphere, and that the organisation stood out on the day. Your comments about the course profile are fair, it is certainly a more challenging route in places. Thank you also for highlighting the issue with the bib information, that’s a very valid point and something we will absolutely take on board by improving font size and contrast for future events. Thanks again for your honest input and support.

Sarah Goodine

So much potential but unsafe

Simply put, the roads need to be closed. I appreciate this drastically increases the price but it just is not safe. Volunteers cannot control how horrible the general public are when they are slightly inconvenienced. We had cars swearing at us. Swerving towards us on purpose and making rude gestures. Every time this happened we were running in single file. You can control the runners with your no head phone rule (which was essential) but you just can’t control the public. I don’t think putting the signs out only the day before was good enough, people did not have any or enough warning to change their route for the day and therefore were just so angry.
Out friend also fell over a big wire sticking out around mile 7 around a bend. As runners had to run so close to the edge he was not the only one who fell over it. It’s a shame it was missed in the course check as he had been hurt and could not finish.
I think it’s a beautiful route, I love local races but I just did not feel safe.

Reviewed using Eventrac, Feb 2026
Organiser comment:

Thank you Sarah for taking the time to share such honest and detailed feedback. Your concerns around safety are fully understood, and we recognise how unsettling those experiences with traffic would have been. We do carry out full course recces both the day before and again on the morning of the race, however it’s clear from your comments that further improvements are needed. We’re also sorry to hear about your friend’s fall, that should not have happened and we acknowledge that point. Your feedback around advance signage, public behaviour and the limitations volunteers face is valid, and it strongly reinforces why we are actively exploring closed road options for future editions. Thank you for recognising the potential of the route and for providing feedback that will help shape a safer event going forward.

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Overall Rating

4.5/5

Based on 66 reviews - View All