Promise of cake sees fast start for Tower to Tower

Charity chairman Stephen Collas said 260 people had registered online and it looked like at least another 100 were signing up on the day.

With registration open from 8am, by 8.30 a large crowd had gathered in the car park next to Vistas and about 10 minutes later some groups decided to head off and were followed by others which meant that by 9am, the official start time, most people were already on their way.

Mr Collas said that next year the charity would probably introduce a staggered start. ‘I think we’ll have the runners sign in at 8am and start at 8.30 and the walkers sign in at 8.30 and leave at 9,’ he said.

He jokingly wondered if the fast start was due to people wanting to make sure they were able to get a cupcake at the finish line, Tower No. 5 at L’Ancresse.

The cakes were provided by sponsors Aztec, with some featuring the company logo and others the charity’s logo.

Some runners certainly claimed to be inspired by the thought of a cake at the end.

‘We just want to get there before they run out,’ said Adrian Lihou of The Kipchoge Plan team.

This group of runners formed about four years ago, inspired by the former men’s world record holder for the marathon. While there are 10 members, only six were taking part this year due to other commitments.

‘We usually meet on a Sunday anyway, go for a run and follow it up with a coffee or two,’ said Mr Lihou.

‘It’s good to raise money for the charity.’

‘And this is a lovely route,’ added Jason Powers. ‘It’s what makes Guernsey, Guernsey.’

The five-strong Merris family included 21-month-old Mia, being carried in a baby backpack by dad David, who said this was his first time walking any distance with the carrier. ‘It remains to be seen if it’s a good idea,’ he said.

Foy, 6, was optimistic, however.

‘Lots of times we’ve walked a long way without getting tired,’ he said.