Maldon 5k Handicap Series

Q: When will registration open for the 2026 series?

Registration will open 14 February 2026 at 14:00 . Be quick when registration opens - the series usually sells out within an hour!

Question 1

When will registration open for the 2026 series?

Accepted Answer

Registration will open 14 February 2026 at 14:00. Be quick when registration opens - the series usually sells out within an hour!

Question 2

What is the minimum age to enter?

Accepted Answer

You must be at least 16 years old on race day to take part.

Question 3

Can I enter just one race?

Accepted Answer

Entry and payment cover the full five-race series, with one simple registration and one race number to use throughout. You can run as many or as few as you like, but you’ll need to complete at least four races to qualify for the final league standings.

Question 4

Can I change my handicap time after registering?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can adjust your predicted 5K time any time up to 24hrs before the first race if your fitness changes. Please email the Race Director (maldon5k@tiptreeroadrunners.com) to request changes. No changes to handicaps will be made on race day.

Question 5

How does the handicap system work?

Accepted Answer

Everyone starts at a different time based on their predicted 5K finish. Slower runners set off first, faster runners later — with the aim of everyone finishing together. Handicaps are reviewed and adjusted after each race.

Question 6

What happens if I run much faster or slower than my predicted time?

Accepted Answer

Don’t worry! Handicaps are designed to adapt. If you outperform your predicted time, your next handicap will be adjusted to keep competition fair.

Question 7

Do I need to run all five races?

Accepted Answer

You can run as many as you like, but you’ll need to complete at least four races to appear in the final league standings.

Question 8

When does the race start?

Accepted Answer

Runners start setting off from 7:30 pm, based on handicap order. Please arrive in plenty of time to warm up and make your way to the start area.

Question 9

When should I arrive and where do I collect my number?

Accepted Answer

If it’s your first race of the series, please arrive from 6:30 pm to collect your number from the registration desk. You’ll keep the same number for all five races, so remember to bring it each time! Please add your medical and emergency contact information to the back of the number.

Question 10

Where is the event held?

Accepted Answer

All races take place at Maldon Promenade Park, Park Drive, Maldon, CM9 5JQ.

Question 11

Is parking available nearby?

Accepted Answer

Yes. There’s plenty of parking in and around Promenade Park. Charges are set by Maldon District Council - £1.70 (up to 1 hour), £3.40 (up to 2 hours), or £8 for all day. Machines accept card payments or payment via the RingGo app. For latest pricing and details, please check out the VisitMaldon website.

Question 12

Are toilets and facilities available?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Promenade Park has free public toilets, including disabled facilities and a Changing Places toilet (RADAR key required). Please note that before May, the public toilets close at 7:00pm. For Races 2 to 5, the toilets will remain open until after the race has finished.

Question 13

Is the course suitable for wheelchair or buggy runners?

Accepted Answer

No. Due to the nature of the event, where most runners finish at the same time, wheelchairs and buggies are not permitted for safety reasons.

Question 14

Where can I find my start time or handicap order?

Accepted Answer

Handicap start lists are published before each race and shared on our website.

Question 15

Where can I find race results and league standings?

Accepted Answer

Full results and updated league tables are posted on our website after each race.

Question 16

Who can I contact with questions?

Accepted Answer

Email our Series Race Director, Rob Hankey, at maldon5k@tiptreeroadrunners.com — he’ll be happy to help.

Question 17

Where can I find updates about the series?

Accepted Answer

Follow the Maldon 5K Handicap Series on Facebook for the latest news, photos, and race updates.

Maldon 5k Handicap Series

Tiptree Road Runners

Maldon 5k Handicap Series