RUNNERS will be able to push their bodies to the limits when they take part in a new ultra marathon along the Essex coast and finishing in Southend.

c2c is launching the event and has designed the route to showcase the Essex scenery as runners take on either a 30-mile or 50-mile race.

Called The Railway Children Ultra, it has been established to raise funds for The Railway Children charity, which provides protection and opportunity for children with nowhere else to go and nobody to turn to.

The route follows the Thames going east, utilising the London Loop and England Coast National Trails, affectionately termed the “Essex Riviera”, with the finish line for both distances at c2c’s Southend Central station.

Rob Mullen, c2c managing director, said: “I am so excited to be bringing this 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.”

The announcement comes just over a year before the event on June 15, 2024,  giving time for runners or walkers to plan and start their training programmes.

With a choice of 50 or 30-mile distances, those taking part will register at Fenchurch Street station before boarding a private train taking them to the start of the 50-mile route in Upminster or the 30-mile leg in Tilbury.

Both races will finish at Southend Central station.

A £95 charge will be applied for people wishing to run the longer route, while those opting for the shorter route will be charged £70.

However, the early-bird discount code ‘EARLY50’ running until September 1 will cut the entry fee to £50 for both distances.

To sign up for the event, please visit https://register.enthuse.com/ps/event/TheRailwayChildrenUltramarathon.