A CHARITY is urging residents to turn out to cheer on hundreds of people taking part in the Southend Half Marathon.

The race takes place on Sunday, June 12, in aid of Havens Hospices and more than 1,800 runners are expected to gather at the starting line at Shoebury East Beach.

The charity is hoping family, friends and local residents will come out in force to cheer runners along their 13.1 mile race along the seafront.

Judy Grocott, events organiser, said: “With so many runners taking part in the half marathon, we’re hoping to raise £60,000 for the charity.

“Crowds of supporters really give runners the boost they need so we’re looking forward to greeting spectators turning out along the seafront to offer a clap and cheer of support along the way.”

Online entry for the Southend Half Marathon closes tomorrow but people can enter on the day for an additional £5, (£18 for non-club affiliated participants to enter, and £16 for those runners affiliated to a club).

Starting at 10am from Shoebury East Beach, the route is mostly flat and takes in parts of the Southend coast line.

Alongside the Southend Half Marathon there is a 3K Fun Run starting at 10.15am taking fun runners along the coastal path by the Watch Tower, around the lake and back to East Beach. Sponsored by BTMK Solicitors, there are medals and t-shirts for each finisher and entry is £5.

As usual, there will also be a number of temporary road closures:

George Street – 9.45am -1pm

Rampart Terrace – 9.45am -1pm

Rampart Street – 9.45am -10.15am

High Street-Smith Street – 9.45am -10.15am

Smith Street-Campfield Road – 9.45am -10.30am

New Garrison Road and all roads within Garrison (except New Barge Pier Road) 9.55am -10.30am

The roads will be open as soon as the last runner has passed through to Ness Road

Ness Road (south of Church Road)-seafront (turning point) -10am-1pm

Maplin Way-Church Road – 10am-1pm

New Barge Pier Road (south of Magazine Road) 10am -1pm