Entries are now open for the 2017 Microgaming Isle of Man Marathon and Half Marathon, organised by the Isle of Man Veteran Athletes’ Club.
The Isle of Man marathon is one of the Top 10 running events in the UK* and the half marathon event comprises Runner’s World 50 Best UK Races for 2016. Taking place annually on the picturesque course in the North of the Isle of Man, stunning scenery and a challenging route await those who enter. The course starts and ends in Ramsey, with runners heading along Mooragh Promenade and on to Bride. From there to Andreas and St Jude’s before turning back towards Ramsey. Marathon runners complete two laps of the course (26.2 miles in total) while half marathon competitors complete one lap (13.1 miles in total), all finishing at the Ballacloan Stadium.
The 2017 event takes place on Sunday 13th August. New to this year is the 4 leg relay race, comprising a team of four runners covering the marathon course, amounting to approximately 6.5 miles stages, encouraging new runners to partake in the event alongside their family, friends, or even colleagues.
Terry Bates, Chairman of Isle of Man Veteran Athletes’ Club, comments: “The event is growing year on year which is great to see, but what we have done by including a relay event is provide new or not so experienced runners to partake and experience the feeling of a marathon event. It’s something completely new for us to try, and is a first for the island, so we hope it’s a popular addition to the event.”
In 2016 a record 448 people passed the finish line with 101 entries recorded for the full and 347 for the half. Phil Martin won the men’s marathon in a time of 2:36:42 while Samantha Amend took the women’s crown, setting a new course record in 2:54:50. For the half-event, Tim Kennedy took first place in the men’s race finishing in 1:16:44 and Hayley Ashby won the women’s in 1:29:15.
Claire Coleman, Head of Microgaming PlayItForward, comments: “This will be our fifth year working with the IOMVAC marathon committee and I’m delighted to see how much we have grown the event over the years. I think the addition of the relay will only encourage more people to get involved. With entries now open, we hope to see numbers increase yet again for 2017.”
Once again the Microgaming Isle of Man Marathon and Half Marathon forms part of No Rest for the Wicked, a series of six different races in six days on the island. It kick starts the jam-packed racing week.
To enter the Microgaming Isle of Man Marathon or Half Marathon, visit the event’s site: isleofmanmarathon.com. Entry fees are ?25 for affiliated members and ?30 for non-affiliated members. Relay entry is ?100 per team. Entries close Sunday 7th August 2016. All participants will receive a goodie bag, t-shirt, medal and most importantly the renowned buffet at Ballacloan Stadium to refuel afterwards!
For more information please email the marathon committee at iomvaclub@yahoo.co.uk or visit isleofmanmarathon.com.
* The 10 Best running events.
Photo - 2016 Marathon Starting Line-up.
