Welcome to Olney Runners!

Quite literally taking his marathon running to the next level after completing a full 26.2 miles inside a multi-storey car park. Justin Crook was among 100 participants who tackled the quirky endurance event at The Victoria Centre in Southend-on-Sea on Sunday 8 February 2026.The unusual race saw competitors complete 63 laps of the car park — covering every floor, every ramp, round and round — to clock up the full marathon distance. While it may not have offered sweeping countryside views or cheering crowds lining closed roads, the event proved hugely popular. When entries opened in November, all places sold out in just seven minutes. The challenge was not just mental but physical. Over the course of the race, runners climbed a staggering 1,000 metres (3,280 feet) of elevation — just shy of the height of Snowdon! For Justin, however, this was exactly the kind of challenge he relishes. A keen ultra runner, he is no stranger to unconventional endurance events. He has previously completed a marathon inside a prison and has run the full 26.2 miles along Southend Pier. “This one was definitely different,” Justin said after completing the race. “You lose track of which level you’re on and it becomes a real mental battle as much as a physical one. And who would have guessed there would be so many puddles!” We are grateful to Mary Jones for this write up.