Spooktacular Sunday 10k

LEIGH on Sea Striders turned up the fright and the fun for their 16th annual 10k and 5k races on Sunday 2nd November, continuing the Halloween theme of the last 2 years, filling the streets of Leigh with ghouls, ghosts and plenty of good spirits!
This much-loved local event saw hundreds of runners take on the after-dark course, complete with spine-tingling costumes, glowing lights and the unmistakable buzz of community spirit. The route began at Two Tree Island, meandered through the atmospheric Leigh Old Town, and finished with the famously “beastly” Belton Way, all cheered on by crowds of enthusiastic supporters.
C2C kindly allowed Leigh-on-Sea Station carpark to be transformed into a ghostly Race HQ, which had a real family-friendly, party atmosphere with music, lights, decorations and local radio legend Su Harrison providing commentary and announcing runners as they crossed the finish line. A glass of bubbly for all finishers (for those over 18!) and a chocolate treat added to the festivities.
With perfect dry conditions, some frightfully fast times were recorded. Adam Hickey stormed to victory in the 10k with a jaw-dropping time of 31:15, breaking his own course record for this multi-terrain, after-dark event. Charlotte Brooks retained her crown as first female finisher in 38:37, continuing her impressive winning streak.
In the Junior 5k, Evan Henty took the win for the boys in 18:39, with Sadie Owen finishing as first girl in 19:44. In the senior 5k category Jacob Clapp won with a time of 21:11 for the males and Nikita Brotherwood with a time of 25:19 for the females.
Thanks to Run Active for generously providing vouchers for all category winners and discounts for all participants, and to Greens Health Food Store, who offered samples and electrolytes to help runners recover. There was even a prize for best fancy dress, with one brave runner literally losing his head in his successful bid to win!
The Leigh 10k is always run to support charity and to date has raised over £50k for very worthy local charities. This year all of the proceeds from Sunday’s race, including the sale of cakes donated by members of Leigh on Sea Striders, are going directly to Southend YMCA.
Lisa Walton of Southend YMCA said: “Southend YMCA would like to extend our sincere thanks to the Leigh Striders team for organising such a fantastic 10k run in support of our charity.
“The event was brilliantly planned, warmly supported, and brought the community together in a truly uplifting way. The dedication and enthusiasm shown by the Leigh Striders volunteers, runners, marshals and organisers made the evening a great success, and we are incredibly grateful.
“The funds raised will directly support our work with young people across Southend, helping to provide safe accommodation, mental health support, life skills training and opportunities for brighter futures.”
A LOSS spokesperson said: “It was, once again, a spooktacular success — proving that when it comes to running, community spirit, and Halloween fun, no one does it quite like Leigh on Sea Striders!”
Picture: LOSS runners before the race
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