Guernsey Mind 10k fun run saw big take-up yesterday

The course, which started and finished at the KGV Playing Fields, took the runners to Rue Sauvage, St Sampson’s, then through the lanes to Rousse, before returning via the coast road and turning in at Cobo.

Last year’s event raised a record £10,000 and organiser for Guernsey Mind, Laurel Le Tocq was hopeful for another good day.

‘Last year we had 380 runners but more than 400 people have preregistered this year and more will do so on the day,’ she said.

The event was for people of all abilities with a minimum age of 16.

‘The top club runners will be looking to complete it in under 35 minutes while others will walk the whole route,’ said Mrs Le Tocq.

‘Everyone will collect a time that will mean something to them but for us it’s about getting people to take part.

‘It’s our biggest fundraiser of the year that we do ourselves and while raising money is important it’s also about raising awareness of the positive links between physical and mental health.’

Pharmacy assistant Claire Peach, 36, and husband Jason, a storeman, were among those taking part.

‘I did this for the first time a couple of years ago after I had lost weight and it was a big thing for me, and now I’m dragging Jason in too,’ she said.

Mrs Peach said she ran 5k about five times per week.

‘I like this event because although it’s timed it has a very relaxed feel about it,’ she said.

Carpenter Chris Queripel, 49, said he was using the event to supplement his triathlon training programme and he was planning to do an iron-man event in Kalmar, Sweden, next summer.

Probation officer Kerry Tardif, 43, was taking part for the third time.

‘It’s a bit of fun and for a good cause too,’ she said.

‘I’ve been involved in some of the other Guernsey Mind events and they are quite relevant to my job as well.’

Learning support assistant Colette Jackson said: ‘I run on my own to keep fit and I work it around the children and work but occasionally I like to do an organised event and this one’s for a good cause.

‘I used to live in Newcastle and I did the Great North Run half marathon in 2004 and I hope to do it again one day.’

Andrew and Anne-Marie Scheffer, both 39, were another married couple who were taking part.

‘It gets you out and gives you motivation which is what Guernsey Mind is all about,’ said Mr Scheffer.

Mrs Scheffer said running was very relaxing especially on the coastal paths on a nice summer’s day.