LOCAL train operator c2c hosted its second Ultra Marathon on Saturday 13 September, with hundreds of runners from across the UK taking part in aid of local children's cancer charity, Gold Geese.    

c2c Ultra Marathon 50 mile start

More than 170 participants from all corners of the UK flocked to Essex for the event, to take part in the 30-mile or 50-mile run.

The c2c Ultra Marathon was organised by specialist extreme events company XNRG, with the 30-mile course starting at Tilbury and the 50-mile route beginning at Upminster. 

The Ultra Marathon is distinctive because it covers a varied range of industrial landscapes, marshland, nature reserves, countryside trails, beaches and seaside towns.

Runners were able to take in the sights of the Thames going east, before hitting the iconic Essex Riviera at Benfleet, Leigh-on-Sea, Chalkwell and Westcliff, ahead of making it to the finish line at Thorpe Dean Primary School in Thorpe Bay.

Children's cancer charity, Gold Geese was founded by CEO Katie Southgate in 2018, following her own daughter's battle with cancer and has been a c2c corporate partner since 2022.

The c2c Gold Geese wrapped train is a regular sight on the route and most recently the c2c team raised £10,000 by collecting scrap metal on site during works at a station.

Furthermore, c2c sponsored Gold Geese's Goslings event in July, in which 150 children scooted, cycled or walked the course along Chalkwell seafront - which started from Joscelyn's Beach by Chalkwell Station - and helped to raise over £12,000. 

Katie said: "We are blown away with how much support we've had over the weekend. I couldn't even imagine running that distance, so I am proud and inspired by these participants.

"Thank you to c2c for choosing Gold Geese as the charity partner this year. It means the world to our charity and as we approach our Christmas planning, the fundraising will be put towards spoiling our families over the festive season."

The winner of the 50-mile race, Sam Cowlard, who finished in a time of 6:31:46, said: "It was amazing, an incredible experience. I loved the event set-up and although it did get challenging in the marshes, I really enjoyed it.

"A big well done to everybody that had a hand in the organising of the ultra marathon.

"I got into running during Covid and this is actually my first ever race, so I'm incredibly proud to have finished in the time I did."

The winner of the 30-mile race, in a time of 3:53:00, Thomas Fulton, said: "It was really good - I do a lot of road running and I live in Southend, so once I got through to Westcliff, I knew where I was heading.

"The pit stops were great and really well stocked, which helped massively. I did fall over on the route, but I'm ok. It was a great experience."

The first female athletes across the finish line were (50-miles) Abby Banbury in a time of 8:41:56 and (30-miles) Emily Nicholls in a time of 4:39:12. 

Abby said: "I feel great, but that was so hard. I have run two ultra marathons before, but this was the furthest I have done. My target was to finish in under nine hours and I'm so proud to have managed that.

 "I really enjoyed the route and I thought the organisation was great!"

Emily said: "I'm chuffed. I can't believe I was the first female to finish. It was such a challenging route and I got lost after Pitsea, got my hair caught in brambles and fell into a bush. But it was great!

"This is my fourth marathon and first ultra marathon, so I'm just delighted - I trained hard and it paid off."

Andrew Burgess, who by completing the 30-mile route achieved the amazing feat of finishing his 300^th marathon in a time of 7:29:22, said: "I am exhausted. I can't say the fact I have finished my 300^th marathon is registering at the moment.

"My first marathon was in Southend in 1984 and when I learned that this marathon was taking place I knew this had to be number 300. I grew up in Thorpe Bay and have finished number 300 at the school I went to.

"I have marathon 301, 302 and 303 booked already, so I am looking forward to continuing."

c2c Managing Director, Rob Mullen, who finished the 50-mile race in 19th place and in a time of 09:14:02, said: "First, I want to thank everybody that has turned out today to support this incredible event.

"From the runners to the volunteers and the supporters, I am so proud that so many have come to support Gold Geese and the crucial work they do for children and their families who are living with cancer in our local communities.

"At c2c, we are very proud of our partnership with Gold Geese because what they do is so important. The stories of those they support are both heartbreaking and inspirational and I am so proud of everyone today who came out to raise money for their vital work."

The full list of results for both the 30 and 50-mile races can be found here.