SOUTHEND PIER MARATHON 2018

What is believed to the be the first ever marathon held entirely over the sea took place on Sunday when 91 runners took part in the inaugural Southend Pier Marathon.  Due to the narrowness of the route the number of entries to the race were limited and all places sold out within a couple of hours of going on sale.

Organised by Sussex Trail Events and facilitated by Southend Borough Council, the race saw competitors run the entire length of the pier twenty two times on an out and back route over a set distance of approximately 1.2 miles each way. The pier remained open during the event meaning that supporters were able to cheer on the runners from the pier walkway and from the train as it passed up and down.  A refreshment stall was set up at the 'dry end' of the pier so that runners could refuel and rehydrate each time they completed a circuit.

The flat course and kind weather enabled the runners to chase personal best times and the first runner home was Paul Sargeant from Burgess Hill Runners in a very quick time of 2 hours 48 minutes. 

RED Runners had four members taking part.  The first RED home was Darren Latter, who finished in 20th place in a time of 3 hours 37 minutes.  He was followed by Paul Claydon and Keith Lovell, who were joint 45th in a time of 4 hours and 4 minutes and Paul Mansfield in 79th place in a personal best time of 4 hours and 59 minutes.