Colchester Stampede 2027
Join Team MNEE Mind at the Colchester Stampede 2027
Sunday 16 May 2027
Colchester Zoo, Maldon Rd, Heckfordbridge, Colchester CO3 0SL
Entry Fee: Now just £15
Minimum sponsorship: £150
Run the Colchester Stampede for mental health
Take on one of Essex’s most memorable 10K events and help provide vital mental health support across Mid and North East Essex.
The Colchester Stampede starts and finishes inside Colchester Zoo before heading out onto closed country roads through the surrounding Essex countryside.
Mid and North East Essex Mind is proud to return as the event’s headline charity. By joining Team MNEE Mind, you’ll be helping local people access mental health support when they need it.
Whether you’re preparing for your first 10K or looking for your next running challenge, every step and every pound raised will make a difference.
Run for local mental health support
When you join Team MNEE Mind, your challenge becomes about more than reaching the finish line.
The money you raise will help us continue providing mental health services, information and community support to people across Mid and North East Essex.
Your fundraising can help ensure that more people have somewhere to turn when they are struggling with their mental health.
Together, we can help make sure that no one feels alone.
About the Colchester Stampede 10k
The Colchester Stampede offers a 10K experience unlike almost any other.
The race begins in the heart of Colchester Zoo, surrounded by animals including rhinos, elephants, giraffes and zebras. The route then travels through the zoo grounds before heading onto fully closed country roads and returning to the zoo for the finish.
Your event entry includes:
- A unique 10K route starting and finishing inside Colchester Zoo
- A fully road-closed course
- Race-day admission to Colchester Zoo for the runner
- Official chip-timed results
- Free race photographs
- A themed finisher medal
- Post-race water and goodies
- Support from marshals throughout the course
The race starts at 9:00am and has a 90-minute cut-off time because of the surrounding road closures.
How Team MNEE Mind will support you
Taking on a 10K and reaching a fundraising target can feel like a big commitment, but you won’t be doing it alone.
When you join Team MNEE Mind, our fundraising team will be there to provide encouragement, practical guidance and resources throughout your challenge.
As part of the team, you’ll receive:
- A charity place in the Colchester Stampede 2027
- A Team MNEE Mind running vest
- A fundraising pack filled with helpful ideas and advice
- Support from our friendly fundraising team
- Resources to help you tell your story and promote your fundraising
- The opportunity to join a local team raising money for mental health
We’ll be with you from registration through to race day.
About the course
The Colchester Stampede is a fully road-closed 10K with one of the most distinctive start and finish lines in the UK.
The first and final kilometres take place inside Colchester Zoo, with the route passing animals including elephants, tigers and hyenas. The remainder of the course follows closed country roads through the Essex countryside.
The course is undulating, with its main hills appearing at approximately 0.8km, 1.8km and 8.8km. There are also plenty of flatter sections and some enjoyable downhill stretches.
There will be bottled water available at approximately 5K, with additional water waiting for runners at the finish line.
Whether this is your first organised 10K or your next opportunity to achieve a personal best, the Colchester Stampede offers a challenge and atmosphere you’ll remember.
Register for the Colchester Stampede 2027
Ready to take on the Colchester Stampede for Mid and North East Essex Mind?
Click the button below to complete your registration through our Run for Charity page.
During registration, you’ll be asked to:
- Provide your contact details
- Confirm your charity place
- Pay the £15 registration fee
- Agree to the £150 minimum fundraising commitment
- Accept the event terms and conditions
Once your registration has been completed, our fundraising team will be in touch with your next steps and information about your fundraising support.
Already have your own place in the event? You can still join Team MNEE Mind. Contact our fundraising team at fundraising@mnessexmind.org and we’ll support you throughout your challenge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be an experienced runner?
No. The Colchester Stampede is open to runners with a wide range of experience.
The course is undulating and includes several hills, so we recommend following an appropriate training plan before race day. However, you do not need to be an experienced or competitive runner to take part.
How do I get a charity place?
Use the registration button on this page to visit the MNEE Mind Run for Charity registration page.
You’ll be asked to provide your details, pay the registration fee and agree to the minimum fundraising commitment.
How much does it cost to register?
A charity place with Mid and North East Essex Mind costs £15.
By accepting a charity place, you are also agreeing to raise a minimum of £150 for MNEE Mind.
When is the event?
The event takes place on Sunday 16 May 2027.
The 10K is scheduled to begin at 9:00am. Further race-day information will be provided by the organiser closer to the event.
Where does the race take place?
The race starts and finishes at:
Colchester Zoo
Maldon Road
Heckfordbridge
Colchester
CO3 0SL
How far is the race?
The Colchester Stampede is a 10-kilometre race, equivalent to approximately 6.2 miles.
Is there a cut-off time?
Yes. There is a 90-minute cut-off time because of the road closures required for the event.
Anyone concerned about completing the course within this time should contact the event organiser before registering.
What makes the Colchester Stampede special?
The race starts and finishes inside Colchester Zoo, giving runners the opportunity to pass some of the zoo’s animals before continuing onto closed roads through the Essex countryside.
Race-day zoo admission for the runner is also included with event entry.
What happens after I register?
After completing your registration, you’ll receive confirmation and further information from Run for Charity and the MNEE Mind fundraising team.
The event organiser will provide final race-day instructions, including information about race packs, arrival times and event logistics, closer to the event.
Is the event chip timed?
Yes. Every runner will receive an official chip-timed result.
Your timing chip and instructions will be provided as part of your race pack or made available for collection on the day.
What is the minimum age?
Runners must be at least 15 years old on race day.
Will there be water on the course?
Yes. Bottled water will be available at approximately the 5K point, with another bottle of water provided at the finish.
Runners should also arrive appropriately hydrated and bring their own water for before the race where necessary.
Will MNEE Mind help me with fundraising?
Yes. Our fundraising team will provide support, resources and practical ideas to help you work towards your £150 target.
You’ll also receive a fundraising pack to help you plan and promote your fundraising.
Can spectators come along?
Yes. Friends and family are welcome to support runners from the event village and sections of the route outside the zoo.
Spectators who want to enter Colchester Zoo will need an appropriate spectator or zoo admission ticket.
Is parking available?
Free parking is available in Colchester Zoo’s main car park, including accessible parking spaces for Blue Badge holders.
The event attracts a large number of runners and spectators, so allow plenty of time to park and reach the event village.
Does my race entry include admission to Colchester Zoo?
Yes. Race-day admission to Colchester Zoo is included for the registered runner.
Admission for friends, family members and other spectators is not included.
What does my fundraising support?
The money you raise will help Mid and North East Essex Mind provide local mental health services, information and community support.
Your fundraising helps us reach more people experiencing mental health difficulties and ensure they have somewhere to turn for support.