All set for a weekend of multi-sport action

Tuesday 27 August 2024

The inaugural Granite Weekender multi-sport festival will be taking place on Saturday and Sunday, seeing a range of competitors swimming, cycling, and running around the west coast.

Around 28% of entries for the main event, the Granite100, will be arriving from Jersey, the UK, and the Netherlands, to cover the 2km swim in Port Grat Bay, an 80km cycle and an 18km run, descending 85m below sea level into the Ronez quarry, and climbing back out again – twice.

Although entries for the main events of the Granite100 and the Granite Sprint are now closed, entries are still available for the Granite Novice Try a Tri and the junior Granite Groms Splash and Dash taking place on Saturday.

Amy Critchlow, Island Games Triathlon Bronze Medallist and one of the organisers said: “We are really excited to be organising the inaugural Granite Weekender – a weekend full of multi-sport fun and adventure. 

“There are some spectacular routes and we’ve got a huge amount of support from local businesses. Following the success of the Island Games last year, and the amazing Triathlon competitions, we’re welcoming triathletes of all abilities throughout the weekend – many of which have been inspired by the Games – to give multi-sport a go. 

“Where else in the world can you swim, bike, and run in such amazing scenery – and descend to sub sea-level at the same time? It’s going to be an amazing weekend of adventure.”

Although most of the weekend’s events will be taking place on ‘open roads’, road access to the Port Grat East Car Park, Les Dicqs, Let Petit Clos, Rouse and Rousse Car Park (including Rousse Kiosk) will be closed from 06:00 until 15:00 on Sunday.

During this time, although pedestrian access will be available, no vehicular access (including bicycles) will be permitted while the events are taking place, including oo properties business or parking areas. 

The only exception will be for emergency vehicles.

Sam Gosling, former Triathlete and another orgainser said: “We really appreciate this temporary road closure will cause disruption but are keen to ensure the safety of both competitors and members of the public remains of paramount importance – so a huge thank you to the residents and businesses impacted for their cooperation and support. 

“We are also aware there will probably be more cyclists and runners out along the West Coast and around the quarry than there usually are on a Sunday morning. 

“However, we would really like members of the public to remember the fantastic atmosphere created during the Island Games roads events, and to come out and help support and cheer on the athletes taking part, as well as being considerate road users to all using the roads at this time.”

Full details for all events, including a detailed information pack containing all the routes and spectator parking information, can be found at www.graniteweekender.com.