{"id":541895,"date":"2026-09-16T19:51:49","date_gmt":"2026-09-16T09:51:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/railuk.com\/?p=200089"},"modified":"2026-09-16T19:51:49","modified_gmt":"2026-09-16T09:51:49","slug":"third-annual-c2c-essex-ultra-marathon-raises-vital-funds-for-prostate-cancer-uk","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/?p=541895","title":{"rendered":"Third annual c2c Essex Ultra Marathon raises vital funds for Prostate Cancer UK"},"content":{"rendered":"

Local rail operator c2c Railway hosted its third annual Essex Ultra Marathon on Saturday 12 September, with over 160 participants from across Europe taking part and raising vital funds for Prostate Cancer UK.<\/p>\n

Organised by extreme events specialists XNRG, this year\u2019s event featured three distances: a 50 mile course starting at Upminster, a 30 mile route from Tilbury, and, new for 2026, a 10 mile race beginning in Benfleet. All races were supported by volunteers from GBR Anglia, which brings together the leadership of c2c, Greater Anglia, and Network Rail Anglia under a single, unified structure.<\/p>\n

The courses covered a wide and varied range of industrial landscapes, marshland, nature reserves, countryside trails, beaches and seaside towns as they made their way east along the c2c route to the finish line in Shoeburyness.<\/p>\n

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The event raised over \u00a310,000 for Prostate Cancer UK, the charity whose mission is to save men\u2019s lives through improved prevention, diagnosis, treatment and support.<\/p>\n

Commenting, Seren Evans, senior head of mass fundraising at Prostate Cancer UK, said: \u201cA huge\u202fcongratulations\u202fto the 160 intrepid runners for completing the three races across all manner of terrain, and we\u2019re thrilled to see such a brilliant fundraising total.<\/p>\n

\u201cBy signing up, those taking part\u202fhave\u202fnot only had an epic day\u202fout across Essex, but\u202fthey\u2019ve also done something incredibly powerful that will have\u202fa big impact\u202ffor men affected by prostate cancer and their families, one step at a time.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs the UK\u2019s biggest public funder of prostate cancer research, we\u2019re proud to be driving breakthroughs that will make prostate cancer screening a reality and create better treatment options, so more dads, brothers and mates can have as much time as possible with the people they love.\u201d<\/p>\n

The winner of the 50 mile race, who completed the course in an impressive 7:59:36, was 60 year old Alan Clark.\u00a0Reflecting on his achievement, Alan said:<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was fantastic to see c2c sponsoring this race once again, and the volunteers at every checkpoint were absolutely brilliant – full of enthusiasm, encouragement and smiles. Their support made a huge difference throughout the day.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was all for a great cause too, and as someone who works in the rail sector with Alstom, I\u2019ve always had a real interest in c2c and the communities they serve.\u201d<\/p>\n

The 30 mile race was won by Sam Tomlinson in 4:00:08, while Tom Cochrane took first place in the 10 mile event with a time of 1:17:42.<\/p>\n

Sarah Goodine was the first female finisher in the 50 mile race, securing third place overall with a time of 08:38:21. She said \u201cI absolutely loved it! I particularly enjoyed the start around Upminster – the atmosphere there was brilliant and everyone set off with such energy.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe terrain in the middle of the race was quite tricky and I lost a bit of momentum, but that\u2019s all part of the challenge and I was determined to push through and make it to the end.<\/p>\n

\u201cCrossing the finish line felt absolutely incredible. It was a tough race, but a truly memorable one.\u201d<\/p>\n

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