c2c will host a new Ultra marathon event, ‘The Railway Children Ultra’, on 15 June 2024, and has announced details now to give runners plenty of time for training.

An ultramarathon, also known as ultra running or ultra distance, is any race longer than the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26 miles, 385 yards).

For The Railway Children Ultra, runners and walkers can choose between thirty- and fifty-mile routes along the rail route along the Thames known as the ‘Essex Riviera’.

The challenge will raise funds for The Railway Children, a charity which provides supports children who have nowhere else to go and nobody to turn to. All money raised from entry fees and donations will go straight to the charity.

Runners and walkers will register at Fenchurch Street station in London, then board a private train to travel to either the fifty-mile start at Upminster or the thirty-mile start at Tilbury.

The route goes eastwards, using the London Loop and England Coast National Trails. Both races will finish at Southend Central station.

A dedicated fundraising page will displace the current total of funds raised once walkers and runners begin to register and raise money. Participants will have their own pages linked to the totaliser, which will show a ‘leader board’ of monies donated.

You can find more information about the Ultra marathon on the XNRG website, and can register for the event here.

Entry Fees:

• £70 for 30 miles
• £95 for 50 miles
• early bird discount code EARLY50 before 1 September this year to reduce the entry fee for both distances to £50.

Rob Mullen, c2c Managing Director and keen Ultra marathon runner, said, “I am so excited to be bringing this brand new event to Essex. Not only will participants get to take in the beautiful scenery across the route and get a glimpse of all the things the area has to offer, but we’ll be raising vital funds for a charity which is really close to our hearts at c2c.”

Bethan Marshall, Events and Corporate Fundraising Officer at Railway Children, said: “We are so grateful to c2c for creating and leading what is shaping up to be an incredible event. The support of c2c and the participants signing up will be life-changing for vulnerable children around the world, ensuring they get the support and protection they need before it’s too late. Events like this are vital in raising awareness of the work we do and together we can continue to change lives.”