Huge crowds cheer on half marathon runners
HUNDREDS of islanders took part in this year’s half marathon, and the coast roads were lined with supporters cheering their friends and family along.
Some 621 people had signed up to run the 13.1 miles, and even more late entries were accepted on the day.
From those running the distance for the first time to those competing for podium positions, there was a huge crowd of people along the front in St Peter Port to watch runners cross the finish line and be presented with their medals.
This year’s event was sponsored by Butterfield, and when the global pandemic hit Guernsey, it was unclear whether the event would be able to go ahead at all this year.
Assistant manager of marketing and communications at Butterfield, Judy Snell, said all the last-minute preparations paid off and it was amazing that the island could hold such an event.
‘Speaking to people from the Guernsey Athletics Club, I think this is one of the first events that is able to go ahead despite the Covid situation, so that’s absolutely brilliant.
‘There has been so much preparation and uncertainty right up until the last minute, so we are so pleased so many have been keen to take part.’
One runner donned a Batman costume, despite the warm temperature by mid-morning, and another was seen running while pushing a pram with two babies.
Another taking part, and running with colleagues from Collas Crill to raise money for the Priaulx Premature Baby Foundation, was Gareth Morgan.
He said he was determined not to walk at any point, despite this being his first attempt at such a distance.
‘Running for the PPBF was the inspiration I needed to keep going, it’s a charity particularly close to my heart given my experience [of having an extremely premature baby born last year], but there was no way I wasn’t going to finish today.
‘I’m so grateful for my fantastic colleagues for doing this for the charity which is so important for local people in need of that support,’ he said.
Along the route, youngsters were also handing out free sweets and high fives to the runners to give them an extra boost.
Read the official sports write-up in the centre pages of Full-Time.
