Runs and more...

With such jaw dropping landscape right on our doorstep, it’s unsurprising that Jersey’s running calendar is overflowing with events that make the most of our epic outdoors. From family friendly races to your next big challenge, here’s a whole host of running events taking place on our island this spring through to summer:

11th June Canaccord Jersey Half Marathon

Standard entry, £31 or £45 for relay

The Canaccord Genuity Jersey Half Marathon is a scenic road race that takes in the stunning Jersey coast line starting and finishing at the cycle track at Les Quennevais Sports Centre, St. Brelade. Started in 1989, this popular local event attracts over 800 runners and is now in its 34th year. The Half Marathon can be entered as an individual runner, or for those not ready to run the whole thing it can be completed as a two person relay team. runjersey.co.uk

17th June The Island Walk

Round the Island Walk (48 miles) £ 45.00, Lieutenant Governor's Challenge (13 miles) £ 35.00, Round the Island Walk Relay 16+ (48 miles) £ 150.00 This year marks the 32nd around the island walk, an event coined as Jersey's largest one-day fundraising event having raised over £2.7million and 29,000 participants over the years. Whilst the walk might be an island institution - don’t be fooled into thinking it's a jolly jaunt along the coastline. The tough route is a stark contrast to the beauty of the backdrop which passes along sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs and stunning countryside. There are three route options, the main walk which is 48 miles and suited to those hankering for a seriously physical challenge. Starting at 3am from Elizabeth Harbour Ferry Terminal, the route is not for the faint hearted. The second option is the Lieutenant Governor’s Challenge which covers a slightly less daunting 13 miles. The third and final option is a relay - where teams of four take on the main walk route of 48 miles, again starting in the early hours. Test your stamina and complete the challenge for serious kudos, just don’t forget your walking boots! islandwalk.je

18th July Accuro Jersey Triathlon

Entry tickets range from £25 (Tristars 8 years and up) to £150 for relay teams of 3 Taking in the miles of coastline and accessible beaches it's no surprise that Jersey is quickly becoming the home of triathlon events. This local event, now in its eight year, is known for being one of the most challenging and pulse-racing courses in Britain. Whilst the route might be intense, the race reputation is one of inclusivity - encouraging all levels of athlete to take part thanks to four different race-formats as well as multi-distance Junior Triathlon. One thing is for sure, the race will be fast and thrilling. jersey-triathlon.com

5th August Round the Rock Marathon

Entry fee, £55

Whilst Jersey might not be known for its size, don’t be fooled by this race’s name. It is a tough challenge starting at Les Fontaines, St. John and finishing in town by the steam clock. The route hugs the coast of Jersey in an anticlockwise direction and runners are in for a treat: beautiful scenery, rare wildlife, and friendly runners are par for the course. Whilst the island itself is only 9 miles by 5 the route is a stunning but gauling 26.2 miles. There are a number of different race options on offer this year - for those wanting the ultimate thigh burn the Ultra Grandslam is the race for you, or for a group challenge try the relay option instead. Whether you choose the half marathon or the ultra, Round the Rock is an unforgettable gem of a race that will literally take your breath away. roundtherock.co.uk

9th September SwimRun Jersey

Entry costs range from £52 - £430.5 depending on your course option

The inaugural SwimRun was voted ‘Best New Race’ by the readers of Swimrun. com - quite a feat when the island plays host to so many incredible sporting events. This year’s race looks set to deliver another challenging course around Jersey’s dramatic coastline and includes many technical entries in and out of the sea. This event offers the opportunity to safely take on one of the biggest tides in the world and also see the natural rugged beauty of our historic island. Available to solo and two person teams there will be the Full Course on offer from Gorey Castle to Portlet (teams only), Sprint Course from Gorey Castle to Sorel (solo and teams) and a new Experience Course from Gorey Castle to St. Catherine’s (solo only). 3d-events.co.uk/swim-run-jersey

What does working as a Blue Badge Guide mean to you?

I have always enjoyed meeting people and sharing the history of St. Helier Harbour in a relaxed manner with both visitors and local residents is a pleasurable experience.

Top Jersey facts that not even our Islanders might know? When we get to the English and French harbours, the history is so extensive that even the partially interested can’t avoid becoming enthralled!

If you could take guests to just one area of St. Helier Harbour, where would it be?

Standing in a group on the slipway in front of The Old Lifeboat Shed, one cannot help appreciating that history is all around us! We have the Victoria Pier to our left, named by Queen Victoria in 1846 , Elizabeth Castle and its Breakwater can be seen between the Pierheads and beyond that Noirmont Point. So much to take in and talk about!

When you aren’t guiding others around St. Helier Harbour, where do you like to take yourself?

I’ve always had a fascination with Beauport, a small bay to the west of St. Brelade’s Bay. Either anchored within it, swimming from the deeply shelving beach, or sitting on a bench above it, it’s an area of tranquillity where one can put other thoughts aside and simply relax.

What is one thing that you think everyone who visits Jersey should experience?

No visit, however short, should be without becoming familiar with the Island’s relationship with the Crown and the fact that Jersey is one of three Crown Protectorates, the others being Guernsey and the Isle of Man. If time exists, a brief explanation of the Parish system is both interesting and easily understood.

You’re a former Harbour Master of Jersey – how does this differ from being say a UK Harbour Master?

Unlike the UK Harbour Master, the Jersey Harbour Master has responsibility for all that takes places within the Island’s threemile limit. This includes acting as Coast Guard – controlling shipping of all types within it and reacting promptly to maritime incidents and also responding to any oil pollution threats. These responsibilities require both experienced and trained staff. Fortunately, fishing is regulated separately!

What’s the best piece of local marine folklore?

The true story of Louisa Journeaux who got swept out to sea in April 1886 – join my Walk and I’ll recount it!

A Harbour Master’s History of

St. Helier Harbour

Tuesdays 10:30 - 12:30

Until 19 September