THERE is still time to sign up for the 2026 Colchester Half Marathon, taking place on Sunday 8th March 2026 in Colchester, Essex. 

The event is owned and organised by The Robin Cancer Trust, the UK’s only testicular, ovarian and germ cell cancer charity, with all proceeds helping fund the charity’s life-saving awareness, education and support for young people affected by testicular, ovarian and germ cell cancers. 

The Colchester Half Marathon is a key date in the local running calendar and attracts thousands of runners of all abilities, supporters and volunteers every year. 

The Colchester Half Marathon is an undulating route but still a course with PB potential! The race starts from the JobServe Community Stadium and passes along Colchester High Street before taking in country lanes around Langham and Boxted. 

Toby Freeman, CEO and founder of The Robin Cancer Trust and Colchester Half Marathon Event Organiser, said: “The Colchester Half Marathon is a true celebration of community spirit. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone in our hometown who makes this event possible each year, especially the volunteers and marshals who keep our runners safe.

There’s nothing more inspiring than watching people cross the finish line, whether it’s their first half-marathon, a new personal best, or a run for a cause close to their heart. All funds raised help us deliver our life-saving cancer awareness campaigns across the region and support those facing a cancer diagnosis through the toughest times of their lives. We can’t wait to cheer everyone on race day and celebrate the amazing generosity of Colchester once again.”

The race is open to anyone aged 17 and over. Entry costs £35 or participants can sign up as a charity runner for the Robin Cancer Trust, pledging to raise a minimum of £150 for free entry. 

As a community-driven event, the organisers are also seeking volunteers to help with course marshalling, cheer squads, water stations and pre- and post-race logistics. 

The Colchester Half Marathon is supported by running coaching app Coopah, who are offering participants a free 2-week trial of their app. The 2026 race is proudly sponsored by a number of local businesses: 

• Gold sponsors: Mersea Homes, John Fowlers Solicitors and Scrutton Bland. 
• Silver sponsors: Kat Marketing, Datekin, Ewals Cargo Care, Runners World, Capital Calibration Services, Cargo Overseas. 
• Bronze sponsors: Optimum Print, JL Physio, Water Direct, Cups Direct, Apollo Multiserve Ltd
• Partners: In Colchester, Running Colchester, Nice Work, Coopah.

You can sign up for the Colchester Half Marathon for £35 at the following link: https://www.colchesterhalfmarathon.com/

More information on The Robin Cancer Trust can also be found here: https://www.therobincancertrust.org/bigballsychallenge