A new community road race in the rural village of Matching Green, combining a scenic, gently undulating 10 km course with a family-friendly atmosphere as part of the annual May Day celebrations. The event brings together local runners and visitors to enjoy a well-marshalled race through countryside roads and green lanes.

Key Details

Date & Time
Monday, 4 May 2026 (Bank Holiday) — Race start: 10:00 AM.

Location
Matching Village Green & surrounding roads, Matching Green, Essex, England — start and finish on Matching Village Green (near the cricket pavilion).

Event Type
Community road running event — 10 km (10K) road race.

Organiser
Matching 10K Community Interest Company (in association with local community groups including Matching Green Primary School and St Mary’s Church Matching).

Race Description
This UK Athletics-affiliated road race follows a circular, marshalled route through Matching Green, Pear Tree Green, Manwood Green and Downhall Road, passing private land opened exclusively for the event and returning to Matching Village Green to finish. The course is gently undulating, entirely on paved roads, and designed to be enjoyable for competitive and social runners alike.

What’s Included

• Official chip timing with printed race bib collection before the start.

• Finishers’ t-shirt and recognition at the finish line.

• Two water stations on course (around 6 km and at the finish).

• Prize giving for overall and age-category winners (including trophies).

• Spectator and cheer-station points around the route and on the Village Green.

Additional Information

• Entry fees: ~£33 (affiliated) / £35 (unaffiliated); limited to 500 participants.

• Age requirement: Entrants must be 15 years or older on race day.

• Beneficiaries: Funds raised help support Matching Green Primary School and St Mary’s Church Matching.

• Mini-Mile Fun Run: A shorter community “Matching Mini-Mile” offers younger participants a fun run on the Village Green.

• Rules: Held under UKA/England Athletics principles; headphones are prohibited for safety.