Both the men’s and women’s course records were broken in this year’s Sure Guernsey Marathon.
Yesterday’s event also saw a record turnout across the marathon, Mourant Relay, and marathon mile.
Numerous runners set personal bests across different distances too.
Guillaume Ruel was the first runner to cross the finish line – breaking the course record in 02:25:00.
It is the second time the French athlete has broken the course record.
He previously ran the 26.2 miles around Guernsey in 2:31.29 in 2024.
Having seen that record broken by Moroccan runner Otmane Menbar who ran it in 2:28:48 last year, Ruel returned to reclaim his title.
Henry Hart – who is English but runs for Scotland through his Aberdeen-born mum – came second in 02:30:35.
Guillaume Ruel’s brother, Pierre-Antoine Ruel was third in 02:32:13 – knocking three and a half minutes off his previous time on the course, from 2024.
In the women’s race, Harriet Carr was the fastest female finisher.
Her time of 02:56:10 knocked almost 15 minutes off the course record set by Guernsey woman Vicky Carre in 2021.
Ulrike Maisch came second in 03:01:31 with Sophie Fletcher third in 03:03:55 – both of whom also broke the previous course record.
Guernsey man Ethan Woodhead was the first local runner home – setting himself a PB of 02:33:52 to come fourth.
Fellow local athlete Josh Lewis – a Sure Ambassadord – was fifth in 02:36:46.
“It’s an amazing feeling to come home to Guernsey and run a course like this, finishing in the marathon village where the atmosphere has been incredible,” said the professional triathlete.
“I don’t do a lot of road racing so I wanted to challenge myself to get a good time today and I’m pleased with how I did. It was a great race and doing it with family and friends here for support was extra special. You get the sense this is a real community event and it emphasised the power of sport to connect people, even in an individual pursuit like running.
“Competing all over the world gives you a great perspective on what a well-organised event looks like, and the Sure Guernsey Marathon has been brilliantly managed. Thanks to everyone who worked on it, marshalled, volunteered and helped out – these people make race days what they are.”
In total, 310 runners took on the full marathon – the highest ever in the event’s history.
More than 55% of the marathon runners came from overseas, including Jersey, the UK, France, the Netherlands, Australia, and the USA.
Andrew Thomas, Race Director, said: “It’s been incredible to see how the Sure Guernsey Marathon has grown year on year, with record participation in 2026 demonstrating the strength and appeal of the event. It’s fantastic to see so many locals taking part in their home race, alongside runners from across the UK and beyond. The marathon has firmly established itself as a must-attend destination event for both residents and visitors.
“Events like this play an important role in supporting the island’s tourism and local economy, bringing visitors into our hotels, restaurants and businesses while showcasing Guernsey on an international stage. It’s something the whole community can be proud of, and a real testament to the hard work of everyone involved in delivering such a high-quality event.”
The full marathon results can be read HERE.
The Mourant Relay race saw teams of two people taking on a half marathon distance each, and teams of five sharing the full course between them.
There were 55 pairs, and 110 teams of five running.
Male teams dominated in the two-person relay, with a Specsavers duo coming first in a combined 02:45:50.
A mixed team ‘No injuries here’ came sixth in 02:58:49, while the female pair ‘2 non blondes’ came seventh in 03:04:20.
Mixed teams dominated in the five person relay race with L’élite du CAC coming first in 02:41:33.
The full two person relay and five person relay results can be read here.
Charlie Dyson was the first runner across the line in the Marathon Mile event in 00:05:30, closely followed by Erin Greenfield in 00:05:34.
235 runners took part in total.
The Marathon Mile results can be read HERE.
The event raised money for the Priaulx Premature Baby Foundation and Bowel Cancer Guernsey as well as other local charities chosen by the runners themselves.
Mike Fawkner-Corbett, Head of Consumer at event sponsor Sure, said this reinforces its role as a sporting highlight and a key community moment for the island.
“Marathon day is a real moment in Guernsey’s sporting calendar and it’s been fantastic to be down here seeing so many people enjoy the atmosphere and challenge themselves.
“The beauty of this event is that it connects serious athletes, casual runners, families and those who are just challenging themselves around one amazing course. It must be one of the most scenic marathons in the world and we’re lucky it’s right here on our doorstep.
“This is our fifth year as headline sponsor of The Sure Guernsey Marathon and it goes from strength to strength. We’re proud to see more and more people, locals and visitors, taking part each year – huge credit to the organisers for making it happen.”