One of the highlights of the Easter sport programme, the Easter Festival of Running supported by Celton Manx, starts this Friday. This is the 51st year of the event, and after a highly successful 50th anniversary in 2012 the event organisers are pleased to see another large entry this year.
Around 320 competitors from all parts of the British Isles will be competing for honours in the three day event, which is supported by the Department of Economic Development and promoted by Manx Harriers. There have also been entries from Switzerland this year.
The Festival begins on Good Friday evening with the 10 kilometre road race supported by Bushy’s. This race is and held on a scenic route in the Port Erin and Port St Mary area. As this year’s Good Friday falls before the clocks change to British Summer Time, the race starts at the earlier time of 17.40 close to Port Erin Breakwater, and finishes outside the former Marine Biological Station. Motorists in the south of the island are asked to take extra care on Friday evening, from around 17.00 to 18.45.
On Saturday afternoon the action moves to Peel for the famous Peel Hill Race, with its stunning views and lung bursting climbs. The start and finish is outside the House of Manannan. The 4 mile men’s race starts at 14.15, the 3-mile women’s race at 15.05.
Racing concludes on Douglas Promenade on Sunday morning with the women’s 5k road race at 10.15 followed by the men’s 4 x 5k relay race at 10.50. These races are supported by The Outback Sports Bar and Nightclub. Don’t forget that the clocks go forward on Saturday night, so you have an hour’s less sleep before Sunday’s events!!
By the closing date for advance entries, a very healthy total of 275 entries had been received. Entries are still available on each of the race days and are subject to a small surcharge of ?2 per race.
Locals taking part on Good Friday are reminded that race registration takes place at Rushen FC clubhouse (Croit Lowey) between 16.00 and 17.00 and are asked to park in the upper part of the village rather than on the promenade. There are usually a large number of entries on the night so the organisers are hopeful of a field of over 300 which will make a spectacular sight.
For more information go to the Festival website www.easterfestival.info or contact David Griffiths on 624943 or 485855.
