The Great Bentley Half Marathon 2026 is a classic early-season race starting near Great Bentley Village Green and looping once around the quiet roads of rural Essex. Runners follow smooth tarmac lanes past open fields and farmsteads, with barely any elevation change, making the route ideal for PB attempts and marathon build-up plans alike. The course is fully marshalled and chip-timed, with a friendly club-race atmosphere that still feels sharply organised. With a three-hour window before the course starts to be taken down, the event welcomes both speedsters at the front and steady runners enjoying a relaxed winter outing.
Race
On Sunday, 1 February 2026 at 10:30 a.m., the Great Bentley Half Marathon takes runners on a flat, fast 13.1-mile loop from Great Bentley Village Hall and Green in Essex, UK, organised by the Great Bentley Running Club. The single-lap road course around quiet rural lanes is famed as a PB-friendly winter race, fully marshalled and widely regarded as one of the best value half marathons in the region.
Weather based on historical averages. Route data provided by Strava, based on last year's race.
FAQs
What is the Great Bentley Half Marathon?
How long is the Great Bentley Half Marathon?
Where does the Great Bentley Half Marathon take place?
What is the elevation gain of the Great Bentley Half Marathon?
How can I prepare for the Great Bentley Half Marathon?
How do I choose the right training plan for the Great Bentley Half Marathon?
On Sunday, 1 February 2026 at 10:30 a.m., the Great Bentley Half Marathon takes runners on a flat, fast 13.1-mile loop from Great Bentley Village Hall and Green in Essex, UK, organised by the Great Bentley Running Club. The single-lap road course around quiet rural lanes is famed as a PB-friendly winter race, fully marshalled and widely regarded as one of the best value half marathons in the region.
The Great Bentley Half Marathon is 21km long.
The Great Bentley Half Marathon takes place in Great Bentley, Colchester, UK.
Runna classifies the Great Bentley Half Marathon elevation profile as Rolling.
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
What is the Great Bentley Half Marathon?
On Sunday, 1 February 2026 at 10:30 a.m., the Great Bentley Half Marathon takes runners on a flat, fast 13.1-mile loop from Great Bentley Village Hall and Green in Essex, UK, organised by the Great Bentley Running Club. The single-lap road course around quiet rural lanes is famed as a PB-friendly winter race, fully marshalled and widely regarded as one of the best value half marathons in the region.
How long is the Great Bentley Half Marathon?
The Great Bentley Half Marathon is 21km long.
Where does the Great Bentley Half Marathon take place?
The Great Bentley Half Marathon takes place in Great Bentley, Colchester, UK.
What is the elevation gain of the Great Bentley Half Marathon?
Runna classifies the Great Bentley Half Marathon elevation profile as Rolling.
How can I prepare for the Great Bentley Half Marathon?
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
How do I choose the right training plan for the Great Bentley Half Marathon?
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
This event listing is for informational purposes only. Runna is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Great Bentley Half Marathon or Great Bentley Running Club. All event details are based on publicly available information and are provided solely to help users discover running events. Runna does not use any official logos, images, or proprietary content from this event or its organiser. Any trademarks or names mentioned are used descriptively to identify the event in a factual manner. For the most accurate and up to date information (including to register or purchase an entry to the event), please visit the Great Bentley Half Marathon website.
