Colchester Harriers AC is once again running the Arthur Whiston 5 mile race. Celebrating Arthur's memory and also doubling up for 2026 as the Essex County 5 mile road race. Starting at the iconic Abbeygate, the race aims to raise money for Essex Wildlife - Arthur's favourite charity and Beat (eating disorders)

   Sunday 19 July, 09:30
   The Garrison Track, Colchester
   5 Mile
   Multi Terrain, Tarmac & Track, Mostly Flat

Overview
The Arthur Whiston 5 Mile enjoyed it's inaugural race in 2025 with enormous success. For 2026, we are proud to announce that this race is now part of the Essex County Road Running Grand Prix. Last year, it proved to be a wonderful addition to the local running calendar and hugely popular. A fast, mostly flat course with PB potential, starting in the shadow of the iconic Abbeygate and exploring the roads and footpaths around Colchester before bringing runners home at the top of Abbey Field. It's a community event filled with friendly vibes and a spirited race day buzz that you won't want to miss. 

In memory of
This event celebrates and honours Arthur Whiston, on the 2nd anniversary of his sudden passing in July 2024. Arthur was integral to The Colchester Harrier and indeed Running Colchester. He was a long term member of both clubs and was very well known in the running community of Colchester and beyond, who supported and influenced generations of runners.

Route Information
Starts: Abbeygate, Colchester (Entrants will gather on St John's Green which is between Flagstaff Road and Abbey Gate). Runners will be walked through Abbey Gate to the start line.
Finish: On Abbey Field, just behind Garrison Track, Colchester
Course: Predominantly traffic free & suitable for all abilities. It is especially good for those chasing a 5-mile PB as this is a largely flat course and has the benefit of many wide paths to accommodate runners. There is a short narrow section as the race passes the Serenity Gardens, in honour of Arthur.
View and download detailed route maps (including GPX files):

 

Running for a Cause 
Profits will be shared between The Essex Wildlife Trust and Beat. The Arthur Whiston 5-mile race raises valuable funds for the Essex Wildlife Trust and Beat. The Essex Wildlife Trust are an organisation committed to protecting and sustaining local wildlife with well-founded charity lists to the Wildlife Trusts across the UK. It was a cause that was dear to Arthur's heart and, as such, one that the race will continue to honour. Beat is the UK's leading charity supporting those affected by eating disorders and campaigning on their behalf. 

Race Highlights
•    Mostly flat; PB's likely
•    Community vibes
•    Iconic & picturesque route

What’s Included
•    Trophies & prizes for leading runners
•    Championship Medals (for those running as part of the Essex County Championships)

On-the-Day Entry Fee (subject to availability)
•    5 Mile: £23

Essex County Championships
This race forms part of the Essex County Championships and you have the option of racing as part of the championship or not. You do not have to be participating in the Championship in order to take part in the Arthur Whiston 5 Mile. 
However, if you are a Championship runner, then the required eligibilty to take part in the Essex County Championships is as follows:
•    You must have a current England Athletics affiliation and provide a valid URN number
•    You must have been born in Essex or resident in the county for over nine months
•    You must not have taken part in another county championship event (other than Essex) in this calendar year. 

If an entrant of the championship does not provide their England Athletics affiliation number and name of their running club then they will automatically be excluded from the Essex County Championship event. 

County Championship Medals: Medals are awarded to the first three EA athletes in each of the categories... U20 / Senior / Open (ages 20 - 39) and then bands of five years from V40 to V70 plus inclusive (age on the day). A veteran finishing in the top three is eligible to win an open medal. Three clubs comprise a team. Scoring is based on finish positions of the EA athletes (lowest team score). A clubs fourth, fifth and sixth scorer can win team silver or bronze if their club win team gold.

Race Directors: Richard Pickering & Lydia Cunningham (Harriers coaches & club members)
Please note, deferrals to next year are not permitted for this event.
Event information will be sent out to all registered entrants prior to race day

Banner image:
Original image: here
Credit: Original Photo © Rebecca A Willis (cc-by-sa/2.0)
Modified: James Plant (cc-by-sa/2.0)

Arthur Whiston 5 Mile 2026

Arthur Whiston 5 Mile no-group

• 19/07/2026, 09:30

  Arthur Whiston 5 Mile 2026

  Closed £19.00 - £21.00

Location

Directions

Parking: Abbeyfield, Colchester (further details will be supplied in the final race comms)
Meeting Point: Garrison Track, Colchester
Start: Abbeygate (a five minute walk from the Garrison Track)
Finish: Abbeyfield

Images

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