The UK will be envious – Druce

Guernsey Athletics have unveiled a packed list of fixtures, with 13 track and field meets scheduled from next weekend to early September at Footes Lane, largely replacing the events lost due to lockdown.

Road racing resumes in August and several cliff races also feature.

Overall, it is a programme that athletics development officer Tom Druce feels will leave the ‘rest of the country... looking on enviously at us right now’.

But Druce credits improvement on the volunteering scene, after seeing two hard-working officials gain Level 3 qualifications, for making this possible.

‘We have matched the number of fixtures we were hoping for in the first instance, but in a much shorter time frame,’ he said.

‘We realise what a great situation we are in and it would not be possible if we did not have people who not only put in the hours on the day, but also go and get the qualifications.

‘Track and field officials is an area which we are really impressed with.’

Tracey Marley and Steve Allaway are now Level 3 officials, while Michelle Galpin, Mike Lees and Linda Moroney have proved staunch figures and are only one level below.

Several sacrifices have been necessary to prevent an overflow of meetings, though, including chopping the relatively new Field Fest series to just two events.

While Guernsey intend to host Isle of Man for a major summer meet, Druce expects this to occupy an existing date to reduce impact on volunteers.

Road or cliff runners will also have to wait slightly longer until their season hits full flow.

Beyond the All Terrain Challenge going ahead as planned in late July, an August road treble forms a potent attraction, starting with a 10km race for the Pessimists Trophy typically associated with Liberation Day.

The Butterfield ‘Half’ and Guernsey Marathon are set for 6 September and 25 October.