Last weekend, Cédric and I travelled to the Channel Islands for the Alderney Half Marathon and 10km.  You might remember a while ago, Rod Paris from the VCAC invited any VRUK members over to the island of Alderney with the promise of Vegan food after the race.  As we both happened to have (a very rare!) 2 days off work together we decided to take the trip.

The race was at 12noon last Saturday (4^th) to give people a chance to get there from the other Channel Islands and it was a beautiful day.  We had a relaxing morning after breakfast and then made our way slowly to the start line in the town of St Annes.  Cédric was doing the half marathon and I’d opted for the 10km as I’m still struggling with a lower leg injury. 

The race weaved around the small town before a short out and back section then on to the country lanes for a tour of the island.  It was a great chance to see the landscape of the island, with some beautiful coastlines and a lighthouse.  The 10km gently worked it’s way downhill(-ish) to the finish near the Braye Beach, and the half marathoners continued for another lap which included a long slow uphill at about mile 7.

I finished in 57.22 as 4^th female (missing out on the 3^rd lady trophy by 41 secs!) and Cédric came in 12^th out of 48 in 1.42.35.

There were sandwiches and hot/cold drinks at the finish and a special vegan option prepared by Norma (Rod’s wife) along with an amazing eco-friendly goody bag including banana, mug, t-shirt and water running bottle.

It was such a well-organised, friendly race and an excellent opportunity to see the tiny island. As we didn’t travel home until the following day Rod organised for a few people to join him on the Saturday evening at one of the best hotels on the island for a 2 course meal where he made sure there was a vegan option for us.

We couldn’t have been looked after any better and highly recommend visiting the island.  The half and 10km next year is on Sat 3^rd Sept at 12noon, but there is also the addition of a 10miler around the coast of Alderney on Saturday 21^st May which is guaranteed to have some spectacular views!

http://www.alderney-half-marathon.org/html/index.html