The Nine by Five walking challenge of two halves is back for 2023

Following the success of last year’s inaugural Nine by Five challenge, the long-distance walking event is back for 2023. The Nine by Five Challenge invites islanders and visitors to walk (or run) 54 miles in two days, taking in the stunning scenery of Jersey along the way.

The challenge is one of two halves and two days, ‘The West’ on Saturday 29 April and ‘The East’ on Sunday 30 April, with both routes starting at the heart of the challenge, Jersey Hospice Care.

‘The West’ route heads south down the hill before turning towards St Aubin and looping round the west of the island, finishing at Hospice (25.43 miles). ‘The East’ route heads north towards Les Platons before turning right and looping round the east of the island, finishing at Hospice (28.57 miles).

The Nine by Five Challenge is open to anyone over 16 and a range of fitness levels or experience in walking but some training in advance is recommended as both courses are challenging in places.   There is also the option to just take part in either of the single day events, work as a team of two in a relay or even run the two distances.

Mike Palfreman, Chief Executive at Jersey Hospice Care, who introduced the idea for the event and will be taking on the Challenge, said: “For the past 15 years, two long-term friends and I have teamed up to co-ordinate and take part in long-distance walking challenges for charity, and I was delighted to be able to bring a similar challenge to Jersey.  Last year’s event raised £33,000 for Jersey Hospice Care with over 100 people taking part. I am sure it’s going to be another great weekend full of camaraderie, determination and achievement - all in aid of the important care provided by Hospice.”

This year’s event is kindly sponsored by Mitchell Building Contractors.

Registration for the full two day Nine by Five Challenge is £50 per person (£40 for one day), or for a relay of two £70 (£80 for one day) and participants are asked to raise a minimum of £60 through sponsorship in aid of Jersey Hospice Care. Visit ninebyfive.eventbrite.co.uk for more information or to sign up.