The marathon countdown has begun. With just under one week to go, local runners can still sign up to compete in this year’s Canaccord Genuity Wealth Management Guernsey Marathon and Relay Races on Sunday 28 August.
For those who want to take on sections of the 26.2 miles, the five person Relay Race is open to those aged 15 and up, with each individual completing between 3.8 and 6.6 miles of the course. The relay team of two is open to those aged 17 and up to tackle half of the marathon each.
Many local businesses, families and friends have already entered the Relay Races including five Army Exercise Ice Maiden hopefuls. They were entered by Private Rin Cobb, a Guernsey girl and combat medical technician in the Royal Army Medical Corps, and they will be pulling a training tyre around the course.
18 employees from Canaccord Genuity Wealth Management, sponsors of the Guernsey Marathon, have entered three relay teams of five, two relay teams of two and one full marathon runner in support of Guernsey Cheshire Home.
Andy Finch, head of wealth management at Canaccord Genuity Wealth Management Guernsey, said: “The relay race is an alternative option for people who want to take part in the event but do not want to run the full marathon course.
“It’s been a great team building opportunity for our staff and really encouraging to hear how committed the individuals have been in training together and the support they give one another to push on with the task ahead.”
The race starts at 9am and there are dedicated spectator spots around the island from which to cheer on friends, family and competitors. Welcoming runners home this year is the Guernsey Cheshire Home Seafront Sunday which will be raising much needed funds for the local charity. A variety of live music, food and a host of stalls will offer entertainment during the day for spectators, visitors and runners who’ve crossed the finishing line.
The Marathon Village on Crown Pier will also be home to the Athlete’s Foot pub run by The Furze Oven Head Chef Shaun McDonald.
Chef McDonald will be treating visitors to an array of snacks, hot food and refreshments including a popular favourite, Shaun’s Hog Roast, which will be served all day.
Before the big day competitors and their families will be treated to a feast of popular pasta dishes at the event’s annual pasta party on Saturday 27 August.
“The pasta party is a great opportunity to meet your fellow runners and as any wise runner will know, stocking up on carbohydrates prior to the race is key if you are to perform at your best” said Peter Head, race director of the Canaccord Genuity Wealth Management Guernsey Marathon
Entrants from 20 international countries have already signed up to this year’s race and organisers are hopeful, with a week still to go, that this number will increase to make a record number of international entrants.
Registration for competitors taking part takes place on Saturday 27 August at the Marathon Village on Crown Pier from 11am to 6pm. Runners can still enter in person on the day of registration.
Entries can also be made via the Guernsey Marathon website until 6pm on Thursday 25 August and postal entries will be accepted until 6pm on Friday 26 August.