Southend Nice Work Christmas run sees hundreds take part

Nice Work hosted the five-mile Southend Rudolph Run to kick off the festive celebrations on Sunday morning.

Start - the main race gets underway (Image: Gaz De Vere)

The annual event takes place along the Promenade near Ness Road, with hundreds of runners taking part.

There was also a one-mile junior race for the youngsters which hundreds ran too.

Youngster - the mini race for the children (Image: Gaz De Vere)

It was a very windy morning, but the rain held out and there were mince pies at the finish line ready for the runners to enjoy.

There were a variety of outfits from reindeers, to Santa's, Christmas trees, as well as elves.

Festive - Castle Point Joggers before the race (Image: Newsquest)

The whole event was in aid of Nice Work’s charity partner Havens hospices which provides specialist care to babies, children, and young people with a complex or incurable condition.

Mark Brocklehurst, the race director, said it was a fantastic event.

Ready - the Ware Joggers running group (Image: Newsquest)

He said: “The event was amazing as ever.

“There were lots of smiles and amazing fancy dress with hundreds of runners having the best time.

Smiles - Southend Flyers running group (Image: Newsquest)

“The atmosphere was amazing, it was such a buzz along the seafront, runners ran with Christmas music, and all of the juniors from the scurry race stayed around and cheered everybody.

“It was a super occasion for everybody, young and old. I love coming to this race because it creates its own spirit, and everybody turns up to have a good time.

Fun - Runners getting into the spirit (Image: Gaz De Vere)

“It was a good run, and there was a mince pie and a medal for everyone to enjoy afterwards.

“A big thank you to everybody. I am already looking forward to next year”

The winner was Shane Boxall and the first woman to cross the line was Victoria Wadely-Smith.