Brentwood Half Marathon 2026: A New Chapter, Same Incredible Community Effort
The 2026 Brentwood Half Marathon will be remembered as a landmark year.
Not just for the incredible performances out on the course, but for what it represents off it – a growing partnership, a strengthened future, and the same community spirit that has powered this event for over four decades.
A New Era with Matchroom
This year marked an exciting step forward, with Matchroom joining as Title Sponsor, alongside Bakers who have proudly supported the event for more than 10 years.
Having been title sponsors since 2018, we’re incredibly proud of the role we’ve played in helping the event grow — and just as excited to now be working alongside Barry Hearn, Eddie Hearn and the Matchroom team to take it even further.
It’s a brilliant fit: a global name backing a truly local event that means so much to so many.
Powered by Partnership
While thousands take part on race day, what really makes the Brentwood Half Marathon special is the team behind it.
Since 2023, the organising group has expanded beyond the Rotary Club of Brentwood a Becket to include Brentwood Running Club, Saint Francis Hospice and Brentwood Theatre — each bringing their own volunteers, expertise and energy.
Together, that partnership is helping secure the future of the event for years to come.
• Rotary Club of Brentwood a Becket continue to lead the event, building on 44 years of incredible fundraising and community impact
• Brentwood Running Club organise the huge team of marshals that keep runners safe and the race flowing
• Saint Francis Hospice support runners, communications and fundraising efforts
• Brentwood Theatre manage parking and host VIPs on race day
It’s a huge logistical effort — and one that only works because of the people behind it.
What Bakers Brings to the Event
Our involvement goes far beyond sponsorship.
From behind the scenes to race day itself, Bakers plays a key role in bringing the event to life:
• Managing all event social media — building excitement before the race and celebrating it afterwards
• Producing essential print, including race bibs through our Sportstiks division, race packs, signage and resident communications
• Organising the pacing team — helping runners hit times from 1:25 all the way to 3 hours
• Volunteering on the day — from setup to handing out water and (most importantly) chocolate at the finish line
If you’ve crossed the line and grabbed a Snickers, Mars or KitKat from the Bakers gazebo… you’re welcome.
Race Day Highlights
At the front of the field, the racing was just as impressive as ever.
Adam Hickey made it back-to-back wins, breaking the course record with an outstanding 1:04:59.
He was followed by Oluwatosin Emmanuel Adedeji (1:06:41) and Thomas Beedell (1:10:22).
In the women’s race, Lauren Reed secured her third consecutive victory in 1:15:58, with Francesca Stocco (1:21:57) and Rebecca O’Kill (1:24:15) completing the podium.
We also had a brilliant Bakers team out on the course, made up of staff and family members.
A special mention goes to Bobby Dailly, finishing 12th overall in 1:15:42 in his first competitive half marathon — an incredible performance.
Results and Race Day Photos
If you took part or were supporting on the day, you can explore the full race results and relive the event through official photography:
• View full race results
• Browse Brentwood Half Marathon race day photos from Sussex Sports Photography
Whether you’re checking your time, spotting friends or looking for that finish line moment, there’s plenty to look back on.
For me, this event means a huge amount.
I’ve been involved in the Brentwood Half Marathon long before my time at Bakers, through my work with Georgia’s Teenage Cancer Appeal. Over the years, that connection has grown into helping shape Bakers’ involvement – from sponsorship to the hands-on role we play today.
Last month, I was incredibly honoured to be awarded the Paul Harris Fellowship by the Rotary Club for my contribution to the event.
But the reality is, this event has never been about individuals. It’s about the collective effort – the volunteers, organisers, runners and supporters who make it what it is.
Looking Ahead
With Matchroom now on board and the organising partnership stronger than ever, the future of the Brentwood Half Marathon is in a fantastic place.
We’re proud of the role Bakers has played in its journey so far – and even more excited about what comes next.
Same event. Same community spirit. Just getting bigger and better every year.