14 June 2024 •
[14 June 2024] Local rail operator, Trenitalia c2c, has confirmed that over 300 runners will be at the start line tomorrow morning (Saturday 15 June) for its inaugural Ultra Marathon event taking place across the ‘Essex Riviera’.
c2c’s inaugural Ultra Marathon – in partnership with the Railway Children charity – takes place this Saturday, 15 June.
Over 300 hardy souls – including a team from c2c featuring Managing Director, Rob Mullen – will be taking on one of two gruelling routes which start at Upminster station (50-miles) and Lansdowne Primary School, Tilbury (30 miles) before joining together and heading out east along the ‘Essex Riviera’ to the finish line at Southend Central station.
Rob Mullen (pictured) said: “I am delighted that our first Ultra Marathon along the ‘Essex Riviera’ has been so well received and is being supported by over 300 runners, aged between 20 and 77, representing every corner of the UK.
“As well as raising much needed funds and awareness of the Railway Children, a charity which is very close to our hearts at c2c, this race will also help showcase the rich heritage, diverse make-up and differing landscapes of the many communities that c2c supports and serves every day.”
Both the 30 and 50-mile routes will be taking in a wide and varied range of industrial landscapes, marshland, nature reserves, countryside trails, beaches and seaside towns, before arriving in the newly crowned city of Southend-on-Sea.
Rob added: “I look forward to welcoming all our runners to tomorrow’s landmark event, chatting with friends old and new on the route and raising lots of money for Railway Children in the process. I can’t wait to get going!”
Bethan Marshall, Events & Corporate Fundraising Officer at Railway Children, added:“We are so grateful to c2c for creating and leading what is shaping up to be an incredible event. The support of c2c and the participants signing up will be life-changing for vulnerable children around the world, ensuring they get the support and protection they need before it’s too late.
“Events like this are vital in raising awareness of the work we do and together we can continue to change lives.”
Experienced Ultra Marathon event organisers, XNRG, have been appointed to manage the course, logistics and runners on the day, and a team of volunteers from c2c, Railway Children and local running clubs will be on hand to help ensure everything runs smoothly.
The full set of race results, along with pictures of the various category winners, will be available from Monday (17 June).
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS
About c2c
· c2c is the award-winning train operator running services between Fenchurch Street and Shoeburyness, serving 26 stations in East London and South Essex.
· Owned by Trenitalia, c2c is one of the UK’s most punctual and popular train operators and nearly 34 million journeys are made on its services every year.
· Italian-based Trenitalia is one of Europe’s leading rail operators and the passenger rail arm of FS Italiane Group.
· For more information email mediaenquiries@c2crail.net
About Railway Children
· Since being founded in 1995, Railway Children has had one mission: to keep street-connected children safe wherever they are in the world.
· In India, Tanzania and the UK, Railway Children has saved and changed the lives of vulnerable children at risk of a life on the streets – or already surviving their cruelty.
· For further information go to railwaychildren.org.uk/