Guernsey hosted the largest mass participation event in the British Isles since lockdown, with more than 500 people running the Butterfield Half Marathon on the morning of 6 September 2020.
Hundreds of local runners made their way to the island’s west coast to take part in this year’s race, which marked its 20th anniversary. Due to take place on Father’s Day, the event was postponed due to COVID-19; the rescheduled date coincidently fell on Australian Father’s Day, giving the event a nod to its traditional roots.
The 13.1 mile route is one of the world’s most picturesque coastal runs. A torrential downpour at the beginning meant a soggy start for the runners but by the time the leaders rounded the home straight, the sun was shining down upon them.
The first runner home was Will Bodkin in a time of 1:12:35, shortly followed by Nick Mann in 1:14:05 and then Sammy Galpin in 1:16:15. For the Ladies, Jenny James topped the podium finishing in 1:22:43, with Rosie Williams and Liz Dudin taking silver and bronze in 1:26:43 and 1:29:22 respectively.
Louise Perrio, Race Director, said: “The half marathon has always been more than just a race. It is a focal point for the community. Despite COVID-19 restrictions earlier this year, I am delighted that we have been able to make this year’s event happen. I would like to thank everyone who has helped make it possible.”
Countless supporters lined the route cheering on the runners, with children holding motivational posters and handing out high-fives along the way. Race sponsors, Butterfield provided refreshments to runners and supporters in the finishing area and in doing so collected donations for charity partners Male Uprising Guernsey (MUG).
Managing Director of Butterfield Trust (Guernsey) Limited, Lindsay Ozanne, said: “Guernsey has been extremely fortunate to be able to come together for this well-known event. It has been poignant for me and Butterfield employees to see the community coming together to show support for all the runners. With so many constraints in the world at the moment, it is a credit to Guernsey that we were able to host the half marathon with no restrictions.”
