Blackwater Trails
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Blackwater Trails
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About
Soak up the incredible scenery as you follow the River Chelmer into the Essex countryside. Choose from either a half marathon, full marathon or ultramarathon and keep yourself fuelled with plenty of checkpoints along the way. End your run with a finisher's medal and stunning views.
Marathon, Half Marathon and Ultra Marathon
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Sun, 19 May 2024
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Chelmsford, United Kingdom
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Scenery
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Where and when
Location
39 Lockside Marina, Chelmsford CM2 6HF, UK
Start times
Sunday, 19 May 2024
Marathon: 9:30 amHalf Marathon: 9:30 amUltra Marathon: 9:30 am
Event summary
Here are the distances available for Blackwater Trails
Marathon
26.2mi
£40
Half Marathon
13.1mi
£30
Ultra Marathon
40mi
£50
Route information
Choose from a half marathon or marathon or push yourself to the limit with a challenging 36 miles of running with this event along the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation. Beginning in Chelmsford, the routes follow the River Chelmer along footpaths towards the picturesque coastal town of Heybridge Basin.
Runners will assemble at Lockside Marina in Chelmsford, where all the courses begin. The route crosses the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation, heading through Chaucer Road Meadow and towards Sandford Mill Water Works. After crossing the A12, you will head into the surrounding countryside, where there will be an aid station just after the 4-mile mark, south of Boreham. The route continues on past Wick Mere and through the small village of Ulting. The course heads on towards Maldon, snaking past the golf club and Elms Farm Park, beyond which the half marathon runners will finish at the Heybridge Basin.
The remaining participants will continue, following the River Blackwater and heading on to the Saltmarsh coastal footpath. The route passes through Goldhanger and the Tollesbury Wick Marshes, after which the marathon runners will finish at Tollesbury at the mouth of the River Blackwater.
Ultramarathon entrants will push on, hugging the shoreline of Old Hall Creek as they snake past the Old Hall Marshes. Continuing to follow the coastline, the race will finish in Salcott cum Virley.
Organiser route images
What's included
- Finisher's medal
- Professional chip timing
- Aid stations
- Refreshments and snacks throughout
- Fully marked route
- Bag drop service
How to get there
39 Lockside Marina, Chelmsford CM2 6HF, UK
Get full directionsBy Car
Chelmsford is easily accessible by car. It can be reached from the A12 from Brentwood, the A414 from Harlow, the A131 from Braintree, the A12 from Colchester and the A130 from Basildon.
Parking
There are several car parks in Chelmsford. The closest one is the long-stay car park at Baddow Road, which is a 10-minute walk from the race start.
By Public Transport
The closest train station is Chelmsford Station, which has services to London Liverpool Street, Ipswich, Clacton-on-Sea, Norwich, Colchester Town and Braintree.
The race start can be reached by a 23-minute walk or by taking the 47, C8 or C11 bus from just outside the station and alighting at the Tesco superstore. From the Tesco, it is a short 10-minute walk to the race start.
Shuttle Service
Alternatively, there is a shuttle service that will run from the finish at Heybridge to the start at Chelmsford prior to the race start.
Event day logistics
09:30 All races start
13:00 Half marathon cut-off time
16:30 Marathon cut-off time
19:00 Ultramarathon cut-off time
Age Restrictions
Participants in the marathon and ultramarathon must be 19 years old or older.
Checkpoints
There will be aid stations throughout the course - 2 on the half marathon route, 5 on the marathon course and 6 for ultramarathon runners. At these checkpoints, runners will be able to access a range of snacks and refreshments to keep them going on their run.
Please be aware that this is a cupless event - all participants should bring their own cup or bladder in an effort to reduce plastic waste.
Toilets
Toilets can be accessed at the start at Lockside Marina, at Heybridge Basin, Tollesbury and Salcott.
Bag Drop
There will be a bag drop service for participants, with a bus running from the race start to all three race finishes. This will allow you to change into warmer clothing and access anything you might need at the end of your event.
Spectator Info
Please encourage all your friends and family to come down to the event to cheer you on - it not only helps your morale but the morale of other racers as well!
FAQs
Is there a bag drop at the Blackwater Trails?
Yes, there will be a bus from the race start to take any bags to the finish points depending on the race distance.
Is there parking near the Blackwater Trails?
Yes, there is plenty of parking in Chelmsford near the starting line.
Will there be aid stations and nutrition provided at the Blackwater Trails?
Yes, there will be aid stations at every at every 3-5 miles along the route, which will be stocked with flapjacks, sweets, jelly babies, biscuits and fresh fruits and nuts. There will also be a place to refill your water bottles.
Do I need to bring my own cup or water bottle to the Blackwater Trails?
Yes, you do. In an attempt to protect the environment this event is cupless so participants will need to bring a bottle or cup to refill at the aid stations.
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