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The 2018 Father's Day Half Marathon is expected to be one of the biggest ever according to event organisers, with them set to refuse any last minute entries on the morning as too many people have already signed up.
The race, also known as the Milk Run, is officiated by the Guernsey Athletics Club and is sponsored by the Guernsey Dairy.
Hundreds of runners - possibly up to the 800 maximum allowed - will be starting the 13.1 mile course at L'eree. The race will take them along the flat west and north coasts of Guernsey before ending in town, outside the Information Centre.
Organiser, Paul Ingrouille of the Guernsey Athletics Club, said some changes have been made this year as well, with new timing mechanisms included for the runners.
“We're really excited about this year's event and with such a large field we've included for the first time chip timing for the runners. Coupled with Taste Guernsey running a local food festival on the Crown Pier on Sunday we're expecting a real party atmosphere at the finish line."
The event is sponsored again by Guernsey Dairy which Mr Ingrouille said works well for runners as milk is a great recovery drink afterwards.
"The sponsorship from the Dairy is a great match for us," he said. "It's a natural local product and an active local sporting event that is both firmly ingrained in the community's psyche. We’re really looking forward to it.”
Guernsey Milk is well known for being particularly high in protein, containing a wide range of vitamins and minerals and is described as "a natural sports recovery drink for anyone who is serious about their health and general well-being." All competitors will be offered a free half-litre of low-fat Guernsey milk and a medal when they cross the finishing line.
Andrew Tabel, General Manager of the Dairy, said he was pleased to be involved with the Milk Run too.
“We reignited our involvement with the Guernsey Athletics Club five years ago having first sponsored the event during the 1980’s when distance running first began its meteoric rise. Since then, we have seen the participation level increase two-fold with this year’s event approaching the maximum capacity of 800 entrants with runners of all ages and abilities participating.
“The Dairy is pleased to support such a prestigious event in the local sporting calendar," he said. "We are working closely with the GAC to ensure local and visiting runners are offered a unique, rewarding and memorable experience whilst offering something that the whole family can become involved in with the Mini Milk Run events taking place earlier. Whether competing as a serious runner, just for fun, or supporting friends and family, it should be a fantastic day out.”
Mr Tabel said the Milk Run has been so popular in recent years, he was looking forward to being part of it again.
“The local dairy industry is an integral and treasured part of island life and, as an industry, flourishes by supporting community events that benefit the good folk of Guernsey. There was a splendid atmosphere amongst runners and spectators alike during last year’s event, and it was great to see so many people enjoying themselves and experiencing first-hand one of the Island’s leading mass participation events”
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