Southend Half Marathon another smash-hit success

Runners took on the 13.1 mile route in a bid to raise £100,000 for the charity which cares for seriously ill children, young people and adults within the home, in the community and at its two hospices.

The first wheelchair athlete across the line was Adam Goldspink-Burgess while the first male runner to finish was James Caldon of Benfleet Running Club.

London Heathside’s Sara Black was the first female finisher while Isabel Tracey won the 3k fun run.

Jane Hopkins, Events Fundraiser at Havens Hospices, said: "The day couldn’t have gone any better and it was great to see so many local people not only taking part but lining the route to cheer runners on.

"Every runner who has trained for this event and crossed that start line has helped our hospices to continue caring for local adults, young people, children and families when they need it most, and with their help we are well on our way to our £100,000 fundraising target.”

And Hopkins was also keen to help those who helped to make it happen. 

“This event wouldn't have been possible without the support of so many local people and organisations," said Hopkins.

"We'd like to thank all the volunteers including Shoebury Army Cadets who helped marshal the route, water stations and handing out medals, Southend Police, Runners Edge and Chris Phillips from the Echo for being our MC, also Thorpe Bay Marine, Roslin Hotel and Shorehouse Pub for hosting our water stations.

"A big thank you to our sponsors The Underfloor Heating Store and 3K Fun Run sponsors Flyers Southend.

“Thank you to Body Matters for providing sports massage and physiotherapy on the day, Mi-Things for the trophies created from recycled Bank Teller desks, Eat Natural for cereal bars, Accessmart for water and Meat & Two Veg in Hadleigh for bananas for every runner.

"And finally, all the runners, their families and friends who cheer them on; together, we’re ‘Making every day count’.”

The full results can be found here.