Sunday 16th March 2025
Race Day Info
ARRIVE EARLY!
The race begins at 09:00am - please read all the info below (especially Parking!) and arrive as early as possible (from 07:00am) to avoid any undue stress.
YOUR RACE PACK
Your race packs have been dispatched and should have already arrived through your letterbox. If you have not received your race-pack via post, then this is most likely because you are a relatively late race-entry, and your race number will be available to collect from our team at Race HQ on the morning of the race from 7:00am.
Whilst we will have a fantastic team on-site to facilitate this, we still ask that you please allow plenty of time to make your collection before the race begins.
Please do not race without an official race number as, for health & safety reasons, we need to know exactly who is on the course and you will not receive an official time without one.
Please remember to complete your medical information on the reverse of your number before you race. This is a life-saving racing requirement for your own safety.
Parking
PARKING IS LIMITED THIS YEAR - PLEASE ARRIVE EARLY!
IMPORTANT PARKING UPDATE!
Please note: parking for this year's event is at the JobServe Community Stadium, Woods Air Movement - with overflow parking allocated at the Colchester Park & Ride. There is a dedicated drop-off zone available at the Stadium via Boxted Straight Road.
DO NOT PARK AT THE SPORTS PARK
There are events taking place at the Park & Ride, Rugby Club, and Sports Park - so expect heavier-than-normal traffic on race-day by 8am - especially if travelling from A12.
We encourage participants to use the drop-off zone, car-share, or find alternative means of travel to the race. If you have to drive, PLEASE arrive as early as possible to get parked and avoid undue stress. Our car parks are open from 7am - we suggest you arrive then.
JobServe Community Stadium
United Way, Colchester, CO4 5UP
07:00am – 08:30am
PARKING IS FREE
Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ymk6HFiPYA1uNsV89
Woods Air Movement (Flakt Woods)
Axial Way, Colchester, CO4 5ZD
07:00am onwards
PARKING IS FREE
Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/iFmxfDEeFepEGFKw8
Colchester Park & Ride (A12 J28)
Cuckoo Farm Wy, Off A12 Junction28, Colchester CO4 5JA
07:00am onwards
PARKING IS FREE
Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/LJoURbNLJZQDNbNt9
DROP-OFF ZONE
Available at Jobserve Community Stadium via Boxted Straight Road
07:00am - 08:30am
Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/9r49ipQ3HsjYhToY6
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Race HQ, Toilets, Refreshments
Race Location
JobServe Community Stadium, United Way, Colchester, CO4 5UP
Race HQ
Race HQ will be located outside the south stand of the JobServe Community Stadium, near the start / finish line
Finisher's Tops
Only pre-paid for Finisher's Tops will be available to those who purchsed them prior to the race. These will be available from Race HQ (not in the Finisher's Area) after you cross the finish line!
Toilets
All toilets, in every stand, will be open at the Stadium. There will be clear signage directing you, so please don’t queue unnecessarily at the South Stand!
Refreshments
The Stadium café will be open and serving beverages and light snacks.
Facilities
There are no changing faculties on site. Please arrive ready to run.
Baggage
You can leave your bag in the Baggage Area located in the East Stand at your own risk & discretion. The Baggage Area is always staffed, and under constant CCTV surveillance.
Medal Engraving
Celebrate your half-marathon effort with bespoke medal engraving on-site, with donations to our chosen charity The Robin Cancer Trust!
Event Village
Runners World, RUN361 and many of our amazing sponsors will be in our event village throughout raceday - offering prizes, giving out freebies and showcasing thier amazing products!
On The course
UPDATES TO THE ROUTE
Water Stations
There will be 4 water stations throughout the race, along with water available at the finish line. As part of our commitment to become a greener race, we have made some changes to the water stations this year, with all of our water stations now using cups of water, instead of bottles:
1. Mile 3, Colchester Castle Park, High Street – cups of water
2. Mile 6, The Crescent, Severalls Business Park – cups of water
3. Mile 9, The Shephard & Dog Pub, Langham – cups of water
4. Mile 11, Straight Road, Boxted – cups of water
Photo Points
Our photography partner Happy Days Creative will once again be capturing the magic of the Colchester Half Marathon, with several Photo Points around the course, and at the Start / Finish Line! Look out for their signs on-route, and make sure you smile!
Litter
Please remember to NOT drop any litter during the event, both around the course, and at the Stadium. Please be respectful of the City, and the people who live there. Please hold onto your rubbish and use the bins / recycling bags provided at the Water Stations.
Headphones
As per UKA rules, only bone conducting headphones are permitted for this race. As the race takes place on open roads, for your own safety please have the volume low enough to hear marshal instructions, and always be aware of your surroundings. Anyone not adhering to this rule will be disqualified.
Marshals
Our amazing Event Marshals volunteers are the heart & soul of the race – we couldn’t do it without them, so please treat them with respect, and don’t forget to thank them as you pass them! It is essential that you listen and obey all marshal instructions given; they are there to keep you, and the public safe during the race.
Ipswich Road Roundabout / Axial Way Roundabout
The route itself hasn't changed, but due to our commitment to cause as little disruption to the residents of our hometown, these two roundabouts will be allowing a safe flow of traffic on the inside lanes (not interacting with runners). They will be manned by our Traffic Management Operatives and amazing marshals, and the roads will be fully coned for your safety - we simply wanted to inform you as it's slightly different from previous years! Just follow the marshal instructions and the cones around the roundabouts!
Runner Info, timing info, results & event photos
Race Numbers
Your race number must be worn on the front of your shirt and not on your legs or back, otherwise you may not receive an accurate time. Please make sure that you do not damage the chip as this will also impact your recorded race time.
Please remember to complete your medical information on the reverse of your number. This is a life-saving racing requirement for your own safety.
Transfers
Please note that, only the person to whom the race number is issued may wear that race number.
Any unauthorised transfers are strictly prohibited; it is vitally important that we know who is running on the course in the event of a medical emergency. It is not only dangerous to run without an official race number but can cause unnecessary disappointment at prize giving.
Your Health & Fitness
Before attempting to race we ask that you make sure you are 100% fit to do so. If you believe that you are not fit enough to take part in the race, please could we ask you to think about the serious effects that could possibly be triggered if you do so, and return to racing when you feel fully fit.
Start Line
When it’s time to begin the race, please find the right position at the start funnel as indicated by the signs showing expected finish times.
Pacers
We have 25 pacers to help you. They cover expected finish times every 5 minutes from 1:25 to 2:30. They will be clearly identifiable in bright pink bibs.
Jeffers
We have a Jeffing team of qualified experienced run leaders covering expected finish times of 2:30, 2:45 and 3:00 hours. Jeffing is a run/walking ratio-based approach first popularised in America by former Olympian Jeff Galloway, hence the name Jeffing.
Finish Line
The safety of our runners and the public is paramount – therefore you CANNOT have anyone from outside the race join you for the Finish Line (this includes carrying children).
Anyone not adhering to this rule will be disqualified.
Once you have crossed the Finish Line, please move as quickly as you can to the Finisher’s Area to your right – where you will find water and snacks, and be able to collect your finisher’s medal and running top!
Prizes
With support from Runners World, we will be awarding prizes to 1st , 2nd and 3rd male and female winners – and 1st , 2nd and 3rd male and female vets winners (40+).
Prizes in all categories are as follows:
1st - £150 + £150 Runners World Voucher
2nd - £100 + £50 Runners World Voucher
3rd - £50 + £50 Runners World Voucher
Winners will be presented with their prizes as soon as possible after crossing the Finish Line.
*Vouchers only redeemable at Runners World Colchester or Chelmsford.
Results
In line with current UKA guidelines, race results will be reported on gun time. However, you will also receive an individual chip time, based upon when you crossed the start / finish line.
The live results will be available via a link on the Colchester Half Marathon website.
After the event, you will have until midday Wednesday 22nd May to submit any timing queries.
The final results will be released on Thursday 23rd May 2024 – after this point the final results will be submitted to England Athletics and Power of 10, and will not be able to be changed by us.
Photos
Photos from our Photography Partner Happy Days Creative will be available for free over the coming days following the Colchester Half Marathon. Please follow our Facebook page for previews and updates on photos: www.facebook.com/ColchesterHalfMarathon
Digital Goody Bag
As part of our commitment to create a more sustainable race, we have chosen not to give
any physical goody bags this year. Instead we will be emailing a digital goody bag full of
discount codes on Monday 18th March.
Health & Safety
Open Roads
For the first 7 miles, the race route will be closed by the Road Traffic Management Company, and their staff, along with support from our volunteer Event Marshals, will be in place to manage the road closures.
Please note: the route is only closed in the direction of the runners, and traffic will still be open in the opposite direction. After mile 7 there are no more official road closures. Please remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings at all times, including of potholes and dangers in the road outside of our control.
Unless informed otherwise, please keep left on the road at all times. Coming out of Severalls Business Park, there is a short section of road where you be directed to the right-hand side– after which, you will be instructed to move over to the left and onto the pavement to bypass some roadworks. Please listen carefully to the marshals instructions.
First Aid
First Aid will be in attendance for the duration of the race. Should you feel unwell at any stage of the race then please do not hesitate to wave down a marshal and they will call First Aid for you, who will ensure that you are well cared for.
If you are unable to make your own way to the next marshal point, please advise a fellow runner to notify a marshal of your location.
Medical Info
Please also ensure that you complete your medical and emergency contact details on the reverse of your race number and mark the front of your bib with a cross (pens can be found at Race HQ) if you have a medical condition that first aiders should be aware of in the event of an emergency. This is a racing requirement.
If you drop out of the race, please let the nearest marshal know if you drop out of the race so we are aware that you are safe; for health and safety reasons, we need to be fully aware who is still on the course.
We have course-wide communications, and recovery services to get you back to the start/finish line – if you drop out of the race, or require assistance, please speak to the nearest marshal.
And finally…
We are so proud to be delivering the Colchester Half Marathon in aid of The Robin CancerTrust – and we can’t wait to see you, and all the amazing supporters cheering you on throughout the City!
Please follow the instructions outlined – your safety is always our priority.
Please be kind and respectful to our event marshals who have volunteered their time to give you the best race day experience! This event takes months of planning, and is all in aid of local charity The Robin Cancer Trust – so that they can support young people going through the hardest time of their life.
Remember to have lots of fun, enjoy the race, and don’t forget to tag us in your photos!
