Run-the-Rock holidays set up by island fans

TWO enterprising Alderney fans have set up a business offering running holidays around the island's 50 miles of tracks and lanes.

England-based Kieran Nott and Darren McBain have been visiting the island for years and are married to islanders – Keiran to Helen Ackrill's daughter Freddie, and Darren to Stephen and Liz Hope's daughter Caroline.

So enamoured are they of Alderney's running routes that they want to share them with other runners and people who want to get fit.

They have put together one-week Run the Rock packages at the end of August for up to 30 participants at a time.

They will lay on accommodation, breakfast and three evening meals at local venues, with guided runs and exercises such as circuit training on the beach.

'The idea is to promote the island in the UK to running clubs we are connected to, or when we go and do a race, and bring new people to Alderney, people who haven't experienced it before,' said Mr Nott. 'We also want to attract people from the other Channel Islands and even France. We want to show them the island gives not only the runner a great experience, but his or her family too, because it's such an ideal family environment.'

Alderney was a unique place to run in, he said, especially for the urban runner. They would put on guided runs from five to 12km for more hardcore enthusiasts, with all activities optional.

'We love running around the island and thought it would be great to share that with other people,' said Mr Nott. 'The tracks and paths are so varied – you've got cliff-top tracks, hill paths, beach runs and little traffic on the roads. Whatever direction you look in, there are wonderful views and they take your mind off the pain of running. Even in the rain and mist, you are still motivated to run and challenge yourself because of the scenery and sea area. Plus, at the end of a run you can end up at a pub or restaurant and meet up with other people. We can definitely sell it to other runners.'

Mr Nott said they hoped to use local resources to offer other activities to guests too, such as cycling and massage sessions.

Run the Rock holidays take place from 17-24 and 24-31 August.

l For more information, go to www.alderneyrunningholidays.com or email the organisers on alderneyrunningholidays@gmail.com.