'Well done to every athlete': Runners brave the chill for a sealy good Skegness 10k

Curly’s Athletes, who revived the historic coastal race last year, said a “sealy big thank you” was owed to everyone involved, from the 900 athletes who took part to the volunteers who braved the fresh January weather to keep the event running smoothly.

The traffic-free course once again wound its way through Butlin’s caravan park and the Skegness Water Leisure Park, creating a flat, fast and spectator-friendly route that has helped cement the race’s growing popularity.

Organisers also revealed that hundreds and hundreds of towels were collected on the day and delivered straight to Natureland, supporting its appeal for orphaned seals.

Jonathan ‘Curly’ Frary, of Curly’s Athletes, said the event had been another reminder of what can be achieved with strong community backing.

“A sealy big thank you and well done to every athlete, volunteer, team member, event partner and our hosts at Butlin’s and Skegness Water Leisure Park,” he said.

“It’s a late one for us, but we’ll be sharing more over the coming week. And a cheeky extra thank you for all the towels — they’ve already been dropped off with our seal chums at Natureland.”

The Skegness 10k is now firmly back on the running calendar after Curly’s Athletes stepped in last year to ensure the race continued, working alongside the Skegness Coasters and local partners. The expanded entry for this year reflected growing demand, with runners enjoying music on the course, enthusiastic volunteers and a well-earned medal and cake-based treat at the finish.

With barely time to catch their breath, Curly’s Athletes are already looking ahead to a packed year of events, starting with the Normanby Adventure Race on March 29, now featuring a new 5k option.

The rest of the 2026 programme includes races across Lincolnshire and beyond, from the Big Green Scunthorpe 10k and Woodhall Spa 10k, to triathlons, half marathons and a festive Christmas running spectacular.

And for Skegness runners, there’s more good news: the 10k has already been invited back to Butlin’s, with plans in place to return again next year — proving the seaside classic is well and truly back.

Follow Curly’s Athletes on Facebook for details and future events.