More than 750 runners will take to the streets of Rayleigh when the Community RunFest comes to King George V Playing Fields on Sunday 12 July 2026. The family-friendly festival combines closed-road races with live entertainment and stalls from local businesses, with the official charity partner being Gold Geese.
Entries are still open for the 5K and 10K races, priced at £19 and £23 respectively, while a 5K Youth category for ages 11 to 15 costs £10 and concession rates apply for runners aged 60 and over. The free 2.5K fun run for children aged 4 to 11 sold out well ahead of the day. The fun run sets off at 8.15am, followed by the 5K and 10K at 9am, with participants advised to arrive between 8.15am and 8.30am for registration and warm-up.
Gold Geese founder Katie, whose daughter was diagnosed with leukaemia in 2014, said: “Going through childhood cancer as a family is a nightmare. It hits everyone from the poorly child, to the siblings, the parents, aunts and uncles and grandparents. Everyone. We are thrilled to be charity partner for Community RunFest!” The charity has supported more than 150 families across South East Essex with practical and emotional help.
The routes loop through the town centre on fully closed roads, passing local landmarks with a gentle incline. Water stations, marshals and first aid will line the course, and every finisher earns a bespoke medal. Free all-day Sunday parking is available at the adjacent Websters Way car park, while Rayleigh railway station is a 10 to 15-minute walk away.
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