HARP24, Southend-based charity HARP’s iconic 24-hour Essex based endurance race – now in its 12th year – has once again showcased the incredible strength, spirit, and generosity of the running community, raising an amazing £50,000 in support of local people experiencing homelessness.

Over the course of 24 hours, runners completed an astonishing 1,850 laps of the scenic 8km course through Cherry Orchard Park – totalling 14,800 km. That’s more than a third of the way around the Earth! It’s a distance that could get you from Southend-on-Sea all the way to Santiago, Chile – or even to Hawaii. Every single mile counted towards helping transform lives.

Agata Elliott, Director of Fundraising and Communications at HARP, said:

“We are deeply grateful to every runner, supporter, volunteer, and spectator who helped make HARP24 such a resounding success. In the heat we had over the weekend, we couldn’t have done it without their energy, dedication, and enthusiasm which carried us through day and night!

A particular shout out of thanks to our amazing sponsors – Ipeco, Stibbards, and Edmunds Design & Construction. Their generous support plays a crucial role in making this event possible and in helping HARP continue its life-changing work.”

HARP24 is a unique event welcoming runners of all abilities – from ultra-marathoners to first-time fun runners or walkers – with winners recognised across a variety of categories. The objective is to complete as many laps of the 8 km course over 24-hours. There was a HARP team this year made up of staff and service users of HARP’s services.

2025 Winners Include:

• Female Solo Winner: Gemma Kemp (Rayleigh based), with 16 laps / 80 miles
• Male Solo Winner: Hercules Nicholaou, with 24 laps / 120 miles. Note:  Hercules Nicolaou is an ultra-runner who ran 405km to become the first person to run the entire length of Cyprus.

Team Prizes were awarded to:

• • Thomas Moore School
  • Westcliff High School for Boys
  • Pitsea Laps & Laces
  • Stibbards Strollers

To see the full list of winners and participating teams, visit:
https://mytime.kronosports.uk/results.aspx?CId=20177&RId=555

Photos © Gaz de Vere – All Rights Reserved.