Organiser Geoff King had marked his intention to step down after this month’s edition of the popular seven-day stage race, running Sunday 19 to Saturday 25 July, and is looking to make the event ‘a winner with the competitors’.
Stage specifics are often kept under wraps, but the organisational team have confirmed that the hill climb on the penultimate day will take place on the closed road of the ‘Valdees’, with runners competing in the divisions they have been assigned.
‘There are many traditional routes, but as ever, we like to add at least one thing different or new,’ King said.
‘I’m hoping this year’s will be a winner with the competitors.’
The overall layout of the week is relatively familiar, starting with a shortened 5km cliff run from Icart, as has become the norm in recent years.
The following days both see relatively short, road-based races, at Chouet and Saumarez Park respectively.
Wednesday is the track night, the specific nature of which is not announced until nearer the time.
Thursday tests competitors with the classic Icart Loop cliff run, which is 8km in distance, making it the longest stage for those in the lower divisions.
The gruelling week concludes with Friday’s special hill climb and Saturday’s long cross-country in Herm.
If King does indeed step down, then he will be going out with a bang, as the 30th edition has sold out all 150 available spots and therefore can claim a record entry.
Island Games distance athlete James Priest is the favourite on paper, followed by Mark Jeffreys, but it currently appears to be a very open contest for the next few positions.
Triathlete Katie Birch will line up as women’s favourite based on the current entry.
‘I’m excited to be organising another ATC and delighted the event continues to grow,’ King said of a stage race that debuted in 1997.
‘I had thought that this might be my last but given the huge interest, who knows?
‘Maybe I should continue to complete my 30 years.’
Entries may still be available from people who are no longer looking to compete. More information is available on the All Terrain Challenge’s Facebook page.
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