New marathon for Jersey - and it's happening next month!

Tuesday 03 March 2015

You had better get a sprint on if you want to run the next big race in Jersey and complete another local marathon.

There is just over a month to train for the Jersey Easter Marathon that sets off on Sunday 19 April and will be raising money for Islanders living with autism.

The new 26.2 mile race has been organised by experienced ultra-runner Digby Ellis-Brecknell.

“A number of runners asked if I would consider setting up a marathon earlier in the season so I wanted to organise a different marathon route which would appeal to both experienced runners and beginners," he said. "The coast from Gorey to Les Quennevais offers a great route as it avoids major road junctions and can make use of the promenades and Railway Walk, which are mostly car free and easier to marshall.

“The route can also be run as a half-marathon and so is accessible to all levels and we welcome people who wish to enter as pairs and share the burden by completing the full course in two legs, so to speak.”

All those taking part will be supporting Autism Jersey as part of their “Do Something Awesome” for autism campaign and £5 of each runner's entry will go directly to supporting the charity's work in the Island.

Fundraising Manager at Autism Jersey Beth Gallichan said: “Digby has certainly set up an awesome challenge for any runner who is keen to experience a new route. Our ‘Do Something Awesome’ Initiative aims to inspire Islanders to challenge themselves and support our fundraising. Both children and adults on the autism spectrum (and their parents and carers) face many issues and challenges on a day-to-day basis. Each person with autism is a unique individual, with unique needs and abilities, some individuals with autism don’t think of autism as a challenge at all, it's just the way they are.”

It costs £40 to run the full marathon on your own or as part of a team and £20 to do the Half. Sponsorship forms can also be downloaded here.

Digby is now on the hunt for marshals for the race and if you are interested in volunteering you can contact him at hareandtortoiseevents@gmail.com or call Autism Jersey on 871888.

For more information about Autism Jersey, and other local charities, click here to view our charity section.