Sporting Spotlight: Chelmsford Half Marathon 2026
On Sunday 1 March, ARU hosted the Chelmsford Half Marathon, 10km and 5km. We had a team of ARU staff and students running. Here is what a couple of them had to say.
Esteban: pushing through the pain
One of the runners we spoke to was MSc International Logistics and Supply Chain Management student Esteban.
In your own words, tell us about your sporting achievement
I ran a half marathon for the first time, despite having anterior compartment overload and great pain in both legs (tibialis anterior and peroneus) during the week leading to the race.
I thought about not doing it at all, but still showed up. When I started to run, it was pretty slow for me and painful: I thought about just doing 5k and ending it, but decided to continue and try 10k. Then when the 10K return marker was in sight, I decided to continue what I started.
It wasn’t until 8k that somehow the pain went away, I felt so relieved, was able to pick up the pace and managed to finish the race under two hours.
I told everyone I ran a 13K, not a half marathon, because the first 8k were more of a jog/walk, but I’m really proud of myself for showing up and not quitting or turning around sooner.
What would you say to someone to inspire them to follow in your sporty footsteps?
A very important quote I always keep in mind is from the long-distance runner Eliud Kipchoge: “running is not about running fast, is about crossing the finish line”.
That really helped me be in peace with myself and my body because I was hating every minute of the first 8k, every step was painful and I was not enjoying the race at all. But I remembered that quote and calmed myself and stopped being angry at my legs for hurting, and instead thanked God for my body and its capabilities, no matter how fast or slow I was going. The important thing is that I was going, and that I was going to cross the finish line.
Rosemary: setting a personal pace
ARU staff member Rosemary Leno completed the 10km race in 58:24 and was sixth in her age category.
What would you say to someone to inspire them to follow in your sporty footsteps?
Not sure I can say anything very original – but I would emphasise that running is free, you can do it when and where it suits you and that there are lots of good couch to 5k apps to get you started.
Once you're ready, there are lots of Parkruns and events to enter. In terms of connection to ARU, there is a regular running club on Tuesday and Friday lunchtimes at Writtle, and also the ARU Writtle Parkrun at 9am on Saturdays.
My personal top tips would be comfortable running shoes, and a sports watch or app on your phone that shows pace. Once you can work out the best pace for you, running becomes a bit easier. It's a good way to achieve your 10,000 steps a day too!
Feeling inspired?
As well as our Writtle Parkrun (mentioned above), we have jogging groups for ARU staff and students at each of our campuses:
- Cambridge: Thursdays 5:15-6:15pm, meeting at Helmore Gym
- Chelmsford: Tuesdays 5:15-6:15pm, meeting at MAB reception
- Writtle: Thursdays 5:30-6:30pm, meeting at the Rec Centre
- Peterborough: Tuesdays 5:15-6:15pm, meeting at main reception
Search for and book onto a jogging group (ARU login required)