Standard Chartered Jersey Marathon launches Run from Home Challenge

St Helier, Jersey, Standard Chartered Jersey Marathon today launches 'Run from Home’, a challenge that provides runners from all over the world the opportunity to participate safely in a Jersey community event. Registration is now officially open and participants are able to fundraise and support charities at a time when they need it most.

This comes as Standard Chartered Jersey Marathon's organisers took the recent decision to cancel the 2020 Marathon, in full support of the Government of Jersey's health and welfare guidelines put in place to keep islanders safe. 

The Run from Home challenge will take place over a two-week period, commencing on 1 October and concluding on the 16 October 2020.  Runners can choose from four distances to complete:

• The Marathon distance (26.2 miles) completed as one consecutive run in one day, or for those who wish to spread the miles, covered over two or three consecutive days.  

• The NEW Half Marathon finished as one consecutive run in one day.

• The Ravenscroft Relay Race. Teamwork is central as teams need to assemble five runners to take on the marathon distance, which is split over five varying race distances.  There is a live ‘grand finale’ race on 14 October on Jersey's waterfront, which will see the fastest thirty Jersey based teams qualify for the ‘Ravenscroft Jersey Cup’.  

• The Marathon Mile, which is sponsored by Jersey Development Company, is welcome to all ages (6yrs +) and abilities.  Runners can take part with friends and family, and even wearing fancy dress! 

Henry Baye, Chief Executive Officer, Standard Chartered Bank Jersey, said: “We believe that the Run from Home challenge is a fantastic alternative to keep the spirit of the Standard Chartered Jersey Marathon alive in a safe way.  It's an important event in the Island's calendar, not only bringing together the community but also raising significant funds to support charity."

All participants are invited to fundraise for the event’s two official 2020 charities; Futuremakers[1] and St John Ambulance Jersey (runners can also fundraise for their own chosen charity).

St John Ambulance Jersey has been chosen as Standard Chartered Bank’s local charity this year.  During the coronavirus pandemic, many public events have been cancelled, including St John Ambulance’s own training sessions, resulting in a loss of income for the local charity. Money raised through the Jersey Marathon Run from Home event will help the volunteer-led organisation, which is dedicated to the teaching and practice of first aid in Jersey, to continue offering medical support on-Island.

Commenting on the Bank's chosen local charity, Henry Baye, Chief Executive Officer, Standard Chartered Bank Jersey, said: “We have enjoyed a long-standing relationship with St John Ambulance through the Standard Chartered Jersey Marathon. Its volunteers play a vital role in responding to the medical care needs of our local community, even more so in the current coronavirus environment.

“We’re very proud and delighted to be able to partner and support the charity on its journey to encourage a new generation of volunteers, who deliver first-aid education to the residents of our dear Island.  It’s all part of the Bank’s ‘Here for good’ ethos.”

Barry Marsden, CEO of St John Ambulance Jersey, said: “I am delighted that St John Ambulance has been chosen as Standard Chartered Bank’s local chosen charity partner for this year’s Jersey Marathon, which is very welcome and timely news.”

‘Futuremakers by Standard Chartered’ is a global initiative to tackle inequality and promote greater economic inclusion for young people in our communities.  

Last year, over £14,000 was fundraised for Futuremakers and the Jersey Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (JSPCA), the 2019 chosen local charity.

Standard Chartered Jersey Marathon thanks all runners and event partners for their patience and ongoing support during these challenging times.