The Children’s Centre’s Race The Sun round the Island relay running race was another huge success according to organisers. The event took place on Saturday [May 17] with a record entry of 29 teams. Race The Sun, which is sponsored by Mann Made Group, is one of the Island’s toughest and most popular team challenges. It is a relay race for teams of up to 10 runners which raises money for the charity with teams running a lap of the Island’s Raad ny Foillan 98 mile coastal footpath between sunrise and sunset. In previous years the event has covered a clockwise route of the Raad ny Foillan, but this year it was an anticlockwise lap starting and finishing on Peel Promenade. Teams started at 5.08am with the aim of completing the relay before the sun sets at 9.22pm. 

A team from Wi-Manx won in a time of 12h 23m 20s with SMP Partners in second place in 12h 55m 35s, and Mann Made in third clocking 13h 27m 27s. A team from Equiom won the prize for raising the most money in sponsorship, and Team Ed got the prize for finishing closest to sunset.

Mark Eastham, Fundraising Co-ordinator for The Children’s Centre, said the event raised around ?13,500 this year:

“Race The Sun gets bigger and better every year thanks to the enthusiasm of all those who take part and the hard work of the organising team and volunteers. This year’s race was the best yet and we would like to say a big thank you to everyone who contributed to its success, not least Mann Made for their continued sponsorship and support.”

Race the Sun is now in its seventh year and in that time has raised over ?50,000 for The Children’s Centre. All funds raised go directly to supporting vulnerable children and young people on the Island through the charity’s Mobex project. Full results can be found at www.manxtimingsolutions.com

Race The Sun is just one of a wide range of adventure events which The Children’s Centre organises each year to raise funds. Details of upcoming events can be found at www.thechildrenscentre.org.im