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A new mile challenge for the over 50s has been launched.
The Healthcare Group Masters’ Mile Series offers four free events for all abilities, plus a big social aspect.
It encourages participants to challenge themselves in a friendly environment through the summer with two introductory mile events at Beau Sejour before heading to the Footes Lane stadium and finally on to the road.
Co-organiser Warren Mauger said: "It's challenging but achievable, and we hope to encourage people who may just be starting on their running journey,as well as more seasoned athletes. It's also perfect for people that are transferring from different sports."
The mile is an iconic distance, co-organiser Nick Mann said, and one that has a lot of history that people can identify with.
"Everyone knows how important staying active is, we want to provide a platform and help with the motivation to do that. The social element is just as important. We'll make sure we head for a hot drink and chat after each race."
Pictured: l-r Dr Nick Dunn, Dr Vicky Carre and Nick Mann promoting the Masters Mile.
GP Dr Nick Dunn said: "Healthcare Group are proud to support this initiative which we hope will grow the numbers of people over 50 taking part in regular exercise. Scientific evidence proves that exercise has health benefits superior to many drugs.
"It helps people maintain strength, balance and energy levels into their advancing years and can even slow the ageing process, reducing risks of heart and stroke disease, dementia, osteoporosis and fractures. All can reap the rewards, so it's never too late to start – whatever your age."
The first event is on 6 May, marking a special day, the 70th anniversary of when the four minute mile barrier was first broken by Roger Bannister.
Only 23 days later that same year, Diane Leather was the first woman to break the five minute mile barrier. After the second mile event on Sunday 9 June there will be a screening of Chariots of Fire in the Beau Sejour cinema with tickets will be available for anyone through Beau Sejour. It is 100 years since the Paris Olympics which feature in the classic film.
A mile on the track will be on Friday 5 July, taking place during Guernsey Athletics' Night of the 5000s, a special meeting of graded races aimed at breaking down barriers to running which also guarantees an exciting, supportive atmosphere with plenty of music and food.
The series finale takes place at the Vazon Mile, a classic Guernsey course on the west coast.
Every participant in the series will get a unique reward to fill up which will hold 'milestones' - one for each race.
Guernsey Athletics' Endurance Director Chris Gillman said: "Guernsey Athletics is delighted to support the inaugural Masters' Mile Series. The timing is perfect, as we celebrate 70 years of the 4-minute mile being broken. It's a fantastic story and one which continues to inspire runners to this day.
"This is a ideal opportunity for anyone over 50, regardless of ability, to come and join in. Running should be accessible to people of all ages and we're very grateful to Nick and Warren for involving us in the project."
Monday 6 May: Beau Sejour, 10:00
Sunday 9 June: Beau Sejour, 10:00
Friday 5 July: Footes Lane track, from 18:00
Thursday 8 August: West Coast road (Vazon Mile), 18:30
Entries are open at https://my.raceresult. com/285491/info and through www.guernseyathletics.org.gg/mastersmile
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