Testing week for all Terrain challengers
20 July 2009
ORGANISERS from the Guernsey Island Amateur Athletics Club (GIAAC) are encouraging runners of all standards to take up the OSA Recruitment All Terrain Challenge.
The seven day, seven race event challenges participants to test themselves, their fitness and their determination.
Now in its 14th year, and a popular event in the GIAAC calendar, organisers are expecting that this year will see a number of newcomers to the event.
Geoff King, organiser and GIAAC member said, ‘You don’t have to be a budding Olympian to enter the event, we want people of all levels of fitness to compete and see how far they can take their challenge.
‘This year we have already had a number of first timers sign up which is excellent for us to see and we’re expecting that there will be more. It’s an extremely sociable event and there is a huge amount of camaraderie between the runners.’
For those unsure of their level, organisers have suggested as a guideline that participants should be able to run for 30 minutes without stopping, or completing a half marathon in less than two hours and fifteen minutes.
Taking place over one week, the challenge begins on Saturday 25th July with a four kilometre road race at Pleinmont, followed by a five mile cliff path race at Icart the next day.
Regarded as one of the more demanding races of the seven, the 800m hill climb up the steps of Jerbourg will take place on Monday, followed by a relatively easy three mile circuit at Saumarez Park on Tuesday and a track race at Footes Lane on Wednesday.
Day six will see participants returning to Icart for the penultimate five mile cliff path time trial and the event will culminate on Friday with a four mile cross country race covering a two lap course over Herm’s common.
The GIAAC splits participants into four divisions according to experience and ability. Last year Steve Dawes won the Division One title with Martine Scholes taking the ladies title. Adam Dorey triumphed in Division Two, while in Division Three Brett Pickett held onto his lead, with Paul Evans taking first place in Division Four.
Nick Graham, managing director of OSA Recruitment said that what was so good about the event was that it was open to all standards.
‘Whether you have entered the All Terrain Challenge before and are hoping to beat a personal best or someone looking for some pre-season training before the winter sports season begins, this event appeals to both the novice and serious runners. To complete the seven day endurance event tests both physical and mental fitness.’
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