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With just under two months to go, 85% of runners currently signed up to take part in this year’s Canaccord Genuity Wealth Management Guernsey Marathon are from overseas.
The international profile of the marathon has grown since its return eight years ago with an increasing number of runners from around the world taking part, making the event truly global.
The international entrants, who will take part in the annual event on Sunday 28 August, are currently made up of runners from 16 different countries from as far afield as Germany and the United States. Runners from the Czech Republic, Finland, Denmark and Hungary will all take part in this year’s marathon for the first time.
Peter Head, event director of the Canaccord Genuity Wealth Management Guernsey Marathon, said: “The response this year has been most encouraging, both within the local community and worldwide.
“We’ve already had record entries from Germany, France, Belgium and the United States and we’re hoping to beat our overall record of countries taking part.
“To have 85% of our runners coming from overseas is a great compliment, not only to our island and tourism, but also to the event itself. Many of those runners will bring family and friends with them - making it a short holiday. Last year the event generated nearly 1,800 bed-nights for Guernsey, which is likely to increase this year.
“In percentage terms the number of international entrants is higher than the Virgin London Marathon which shows that the Guernsey Marathon is well and truly on the international marathon map.”
International entrants have proved to be very successful in recent years. In 2015 James Buis from Carlisle was first across the finish line in 2 hours, 38 minutes and 29 seconds closely followed by Marcin Soszka from Poland in second place and Eric Le Bouvier from France in third. In 2013, Freddie Sittuk from Kenya set the island record for the fastest marathon with a time of 2 hours, 18 minutes and 11 seconds – a time which is yet to be beaten.
Andy Finch, head of wealth management at Canaccord Genuity Wealth Management in Guernsey, said: “We’re very proud to sponsor a local event which is attracting runners from around the world and having such a positive impact on Guernsey tourism.
“With runners from 16 different countries already signed up and a number of local runners, relay teams and half marathon teams set to take part we’re looking forward to a very exciting race day on Sunday 28 August.”
Entry to the Canaccord Genuity Wealth Management Guernsey Marathon is open to anyone over the age of 17 and the organisers welcome everyone from first timers to serious club runners.
Those not wishing to tackle the full marathon can enter as a relay team of two, completing a half marathon each, or a team of five completing sections between 3.8 and 6.6 miles. The relay races are open to all runners over the age of 15.
