Running, walking and fitness events at the Essex Country Parks for spring 2026
Bored of the treadmill or running on roads? Try running (or walking) at the Essex Country Parks and boost your fitness whilst exploring the beautiful Essex countryside.
Posted on 8th January 2026
In addition to our regular weekly parkruns, we have several organised events happening at some of our country parks. Whether you choose to walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate - it's up to you..
Simply sign up with the organiser and take part* – although please be aware that some events may be for members only.
Check the website or enquire with the with the organiser to find out more.
Benfleet 15
When: 18 January 2026
Where: Hadleigh Country Park
About: Benfleet Running Club invite you to take part in their 35th anniversary of the annual Benfleet 15 Race.
Starting at 10.00am this challenging 15 mile, multi-terrain course, will once again be chip timed.
Marine Mayhem
When: 1 February 2026
Where: Hadleigh Country Park
About: Join Essex Boot Camp for a charity event led by former Royal Marine Commandos with decades of combat experience. Raising awareness and funds for mental health charity Rock2Recovery.
Castle Point Joggers Hadleigh Legacy 10K
When: 22 February 2026
Where: Hadleigh Country Park
About: Test your stamina and endurance to the limit with this exceptionally challenging but exhilarating course with spectacular views. Be prepared to conquer some seriously tough hills and, in the spirit of trail racing, expect mud, mud, mud!
Weald Country Park 10K
When: 15 March 2026
Where: Weald Country Park
About: Take in the beautiful sights of the Essex countryside with this 10k run at Weald Country Park. Suitable for all abilities, this trail is perfect for first-timers and PB-chasers. Come to earn your finisher's medal and enjoy the friendly community atmosphere.
South Woodham Runners 10k Race
When: 17 May 2026
Where: Marsh Farm Country Park
About: Get ready to lace up your running shoes for an exhilarating experience with South Woodham Runners. Enjoy a sensational 10K through the scenic trails of Marsh Farm. Whether you're aiming to smash a personal best, or just looking for a fun day out with the family in the beautiful surroundings of South Woodham Ferrers, this event is for you.
Race For Life 2026
When: 16 May 2026
Where: Weald Country Park
About: Choose a 3k, 5k or 10k walk, jog, run and help fund life-saving cancer research with Cancer Research UK. Looking for more of a challenge without any pressure? Their 10k events are now chip-timed, so you can find out if you’ve beaten your personal best – while you’re raising funds to help beat cancer.
Weekly Parkruns

Parkrun: Great Notley Country Park
Free, weekly 5km timed runs.
- Dates:
- July 11, 2026
- July 18, 2026
- July 25, 2026
- August 1, 2026
- August 8, 2026
- (continued …)
- Venue: Great Notley Country Park
- Times: 9:00am - 10:00am
- For adults
- Price: Free to take part

Parkrun: Cudmore Grove Country Park
Free, weekly 5km timed runs.
- Dates:
- July 11, 2026
- July 18, 2026
- July 25, 2026
- August 1, 2026
- August 8, 2026
- (continued …)
- Venue: Cudmore Grove Country Park
- Times: 9:00am - 10:00am
- For adults
- Price: Free

Parkrun: Hadleigh Country Park
Free, weekly 5km timed runs.
- Dates:
- July 11, 2026
- July 18, 2026
- July 25, 2026
- August 1, 2026
- August 8, 2026
- (continued …)
- Venue: Hadleigh Country Park
- Times: 9:00am - 10:00am
- For adults
- Price: Free

Parkrun: Marsh Farm Country Park
Free, weekly 5km timed runs.
- Dates:
- July 11, 2026
- July 18, 2026
- July 25, 2026
- August 1, 2026
- August 8, 2026
- (continued …)
- Venue: Marsh Farm Country Park
- Times: 9:00am - 10:00am
- For adults
- Price: Free

Parkrun: Weald Country Park
Free, weekly 5km timed runs.
- Dates:
- July 11, 2026
- July 18, 2026
- July 25, 2026
- August 1, 2026
- August 8, 2026
- (continued …)
- Venue: Weald Country Park
- Times: 9:00am - 10:00am
- For adults
- Price: Free

Parkrun Junior: Great Notley Country Park
Join this free, weekly 2k run aimed specifically at juniors aged 4 to 14 years-old.
- Dates:
- July 12, 2026
- July 19, 2026
- July 26, 2026
- August 2, 2026
- August 9, 2026
- (continued …)
- Venue: Great Notley Country Park
- Times: 9:00am - 6:00pm
- 4 to 14
- Price: Free
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