Morocco’s Otmane Menbar, France’s Guillaume Ruel and Guernsey’s own Rick Weston headline the current men’s entry for the arduous 26.2-miler on Sunday 19 April.
Menbar set the course record of 2hrs 29min. 48sec. in a surprise appearance last year, though all three of these runners have gone within that elsewhere, with Ruel having posted a time precisely 15min. faster in the build-up to winning the 2024 edition.
Weston claimed the last home victory in 2023 and has since run 2-25-06 for the distance, while Island Games triathlete Ethan Woodhead is among those boosting the Guernsey corner further.
The women's field is also looking stronger than any previous edition, leaving Vicky Carre’s 3-10-10 course record rather exposed.
The visiting interest includes French long-distance specialist Eugenie Boterf and England masters athlete Harriet Carr bringing sub-3hr. pedigree to the event.
If Guernsey veteran Ulrike Maisch lines up for the event, which takes place two decades after her European marathon title, she would also threaten to go significantly under the old record.
The organisational team have already welcomed more than 150 visiting entries from as far afield as Australia and the USA.
‘It’s incredible to see how the Sure Guernsey Marathon has grown over the years into a truly international destination marathon, attracting runners from across the globe,’ assistant race director Hannah Mundy said.
‘What makes it so special, however, is that it has never lost its community heart – locals of all ages and abilities still come out in force to cheer, participate, and be part of the atmosphere.
‘Seeing elite athletes, families, first-time runners and fundraisers all sharing the roads of our beautiful island really embodies the spirit of this event.’
The full marathon, which is based at South Esplanade and notoriously breaks runners in with an ascent of Le Val des Terres, is part of a wider running festival that also includes a relay around the course and mile-long fun run.
Organisers are currently seeking 40 course marshals for race day, while entries remain open for competitors.
n More information is available at www.guernseymarathon.com.
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