My 2nd time running, a perfect training run for next months Comrades, brilliant organisation and a challenging course. Not one for a fast time but a good time.

The scenery is gorgeous, but honestly, you’re focusing on the terrain instead! The course is definitely a challenge—most of the roads are worn and slanted so you’ll need to watch your footing. This course is notorious for its steep hills (up and down) so be mindful of your knees and ankles. I saw many runners walking up hills and slowing for the down hills due to knee pain.
It was a bit of a quiet one this year, probably because of the cold. You’ll find yourself running solo for long stretches without many spectators, which is great if you love a peaceful, solitary run, but it can feel a little lonely. The marshals are hit-or-miss; some are super cheering, while others stay pretty quiet.
One thing to watch out for is the mile markers. Since it’s a looped course, seeing the "Mile 12" sign when you’re only on mile 5 is a mental hurdle!
The medal this year was a letdown—the green and purple combo wasn't quite my style. The race photos weren't great either; the photographer caught mostly candid (and not-so-flattering!) faces.
The goody bag contents were unfortunately quite wasteful. While the snacks were appreciated, items like the “Braintree Council” branded drawstring bag are impractical for me and will likely end up in a landfill, which seems at odds with the world’s commitment to waste reduction! My suggestion would be a canvas bag without the branding of a council on it, and less leaflets inside.
I’ve done this race twice now since I’m local, but I think that’s me done! It’s a bit too solitary for my liking, and it feels like the event could use a little more heart (and resign of it’s posters, goodie bags, and medals)!

On Sunday, I was flying and after 18 miles of consistent running, I was starting to feel confident of a Good For Age time for London. Unfortunately, whilst trying to avoid a pothole, I stumbled and hit my head on the ground. After initial support from other runners, I was soon under the care of marshalls and the medical team. It was clear, although not to me at the time(!), that I shouldn't carry on, as blood was dripping from my head wound. But I was soon back at the finish and in the medical tent.
I think that most runners don't give a second thought to this aspect of races, but noboby knows when they might need itand I was extremely grateful for it this year.
Thank you, everybody.

This really is an amazing marathon. The organisation is perfect, the Marshalls were all brilliant, the support around the course is superb, and the scenery showcases our great county at its very best! I'd recommend this marathon to anyone. Thanks to all involved with putting it on.

Lovely countryside route despite the hills. Superb marshals and plenty of water stations and even some free gels given out. In future please consider vegan options for the snacks handed out at the end and in the goody bag as I couldn’t eat any of it unfortunately as everything contained milk.

Loved every minute, first marathon and extremely tough course but scenery is amazing, marshals were brilliant and the residents of Halstead are so supportive!

Huge thanks to the RD & all volunteers for putting on such a lovely marathon race in the peaceful Essex countryside. Thoroughly enjoyed! Highly recommend!

Great scenery, the hills take their toll but a marathon isn't supposed to be easy! The marshals were all amazing the waterstations were frequent enough. This is the second time I've ran this marathon for a reason! Race HQ is very good, parking was really close and plentiful. Can't think of any negatives at all!

As always the course was looking beautiful today, fields full of colour. Challenging route. There was noticeably less runners out on course today, maybe the price point needs looking at? Yes I know you’re a small club and yes I know you donate lots to charity which is good but £60 is too much. Ditch the T-shirts which have caused problems over the last few years, whether it’s been style or sizing. Don’t want to see this event drop off the calendar due to poor numbers

Well done to the RD, the marshals (good support) and all the volunteers and spectators.

Thanks to all the marshalls and organisers - fabulous event.

Thank you to all the Marshalls and othe hi-viz heroes.

For a small amount field of runners, the marshals were amazing. So many people out to support and provide water, it was quite windy and I imagine really chilly for the marshals. The route was beautiful, it was a bit hilly for a first marathon. However I loved the whole event. Thank you everyone

A very challenging course but lovely. Loads of water stations friendly marshals highly recommend

Could you make the signage clearer, please. Particularly pre-event.

Please do vests instead of the shirts for finishers