Guernsey Press

Student lifestyle can't slow Jonathan

THE annual Herm Run has taken place for the 28th time.

Published
Jonathan Bailey collapses following his triumph in the Herm race.

THE annual Herm Run has taken place for the 28th time.

Despite a drizzly morning, 57 signed up for the race, which covers about three-quarters of the island, around the cliff paths and the common.

The overall winner was Herm resident Jonathan Bailey with a time of 19mins 2secs. Eighteen-year-old Jonathan is now one of only three to have won the race three times.

He is currently a student at Nottingham University, but returns to Herm in the holidays to work as a truckie.

Jonathan came second last year and a few people had thought his student lifestyle of the past few months might have put him out of the running in this year's race.

'It's true I've only done a little bit of training this year,' he admitted. 'But carrying heavy bags and cases up and down Rosaire Steps all summer helps.'

The first female to cross the line was Guernsey resident Colette Andrews (pictured left) in 21-14. Colette, from Vale, trains regularly with a club and took part in the Paris Marathon in April. She and her husband spent their honeymoon in Herm and visit the island frequently.

'The Herm Run is a lovely race to do and everyone is so friendly. We just hope that, whatever happens with the island, they carry on doing the race in future years,' said Colette.

The first under-16 boy and fourth overall was Ben Cuddihee, whose father, Steve, won one of the first-ever races in 1981.

Six-year-old Jennifer Creed beat several others to become first under-12 girl in an impressive 32-44. Jennifer runs with the Guernsey Athletics Club and completed the race alongside brother Adam and parents Paul and Caroline.

There was a new trophy this year for the first under-11 resident, which was won by nine-year old Charlie Knight with a time of 25-35.

Charlie has run the race every year since he was six.

'I do it because it's fun,' he said. 'Next year I'm going to get my brother, Elliot, to run as well. I don't really do any other races, but if I hear of any, I'd like to do them.'

First under-12 boy was Alex Stewart and the first under-16 girl, for the second year running, was Megan Stewart. First female resident was seasonal worker Kristina Hammer.

It is worth mentioning that all race organisers are volunteers and do a great job of orchestrating everybody and logging the times correctly. Island workers take time out of their busy schedules to arrange community events like this and are thankful to everyone who takes part in the non-competitive spirit a charity fun run is all about.

All money raised goes to the Flying Christine marine ambulance.

Sorry, we are not accepting comments on this article.