The c2c Essex Ultra
The c2c Essex Ultra is a one-day ultramarathon on 12 September 2026 organised by c2c to raise funds for Prostate Cancer UK. The event offers three route options:
- 50 miles - starts at Upminster Station; 8 checkpoints; finishes at Thorpedene Primary School.
- 30 miles - starts at Lansdowne Primary School, Tilbury; 5 checkpoints; finishes at Thorpedene Primary School.
- 10 miles - starts at Benfleet Station; 1 checkpoint; finishes at Thorpedene Primary School.
Routes follow the Thames eastward, using sections of the London Loop and England Coast National Trails. Underfoot surfaces are mainly tarmac with some hard trails. The scenery includes urban areas, marshland and river bank with views across parts of the Thames and Greater London.
The event includes a fully recced and clearly marked route, full medical cover, checkpoint food and water at regular intervals, a quality metal finisher medal, free tea, coffee and cake at the finish, prizes for winners, and action photos available to download. Participants receive free travel on the c2c route to and from the event on production of their race number. Registration at the start locations supplies a timing GPS tracker; baggage can be transported to the finish.
Safety and support measures include a course manager, a qualified medical crew, multiple public toilets on route (available at start, finish and most checkpoints) and an aid station cutoff applied for safety. Minimum age is 18. Refund and entry policies apply. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
Included
- A fully recced and marked route
- Full medical cover throughout
- A quality metal finishers medal
- Checkpoint food and water at regular intervals
- Free tea, coffee and cake at the finish
- Prizes and trophies for overall and category winners
- A great atmosphere and a fun but challenging day out
- Action photos en-route, free to download
Route
The start location for the 50 mile route will be at Upminster Station, RM14 2TD, for those opting for the 30 mile route, the start will be at Lansdowne Primary School, Tilbury RM18 7QB, and the 10 mile route will be begin at Benfleet Station, SS7 1NF.
Make your way to the start points above where you can register and pick up your timing GPS tracker before starting. Any baggage to be transported to the finish can be dropped off at registration in the vehicles provided.
The finish for all routes will be at Thorpedene Primary School.
There are plenty of public toilets on both routes. There are toilets at the start, finish and all checkpoints except CP1 on the 50 mile route.
Please note: Following our experience in Southend on Saturday night we have to introduce a cutoff time at the 72km CP8 aid station of 2100. This is for safety reasons. At the previous aid station anyone leaving after 1930 will be notified that they may not make the cutoff.