56 solo runners and 30 relay runners toed the start line of the inaugural Oak-sponsored Western Hemi-Trail Marathon in Jersey on 7 July 2019.
The event saw the runners tackle a 26.2 mile loop of the west side of the island, starting on Beaumont Beach and making their way westwards towards St Aubin’s, up Ghost Hill and along to Noirmont Point where the trails began. From there the runners covered Portelet, Ouaisne, St Brelade’s, Beauport Bay, La Moye and Corbiere and carried on through the five-mile road and trails until they reached the finish line at Goose Green car park.
Conditions were tough with scorching temperatures but the runners delivered a courageous performance and were well looked after by the army of volunteers.
James Manners holds the record in the male category for completing the run in 3:58:04 and Philippa Worth holds the female record for crossing the finish line in 4:38:57.
Trail Monkey organise off-road running events from 5km trail runs to ultra-marathons which feature a mix of trails and hills and the promise of tea and cake at the end.
Information for next year’s event on Sunday 5 July and entry details can be found here.