If you’re planning on going the distance this year, you need to make it a marathon to remember, and from coastal paths to leafy valleys and country lanes – the Jersey marathon on Sunday 06 October has it all. The race, which is split into three categories, Marathon, Relay Race and Marathon Mile regularly attracts over 2,500 runners and has established itself as a race not to miss on the sporting calendar.
Elite athletes compete for prize money and course records, whilst many runners take part with the simple (but definitely not easy) aim of reaching the finish line. We’ve got everything you need to know about the 2024 Jersey Marathon, from the route to training tips.
The route.
Starting and finishing at the Weighbridge in St. Helier, the Jersey marathon route takes you on a circular tour of some of the island’s most scenic roads. From the start line, you’ll head west before turning up into Waterworks Valley for your first uphill stretch. The leafy valley winds up the centre of the island, before you reach the north of the island and again head west towards St. Ouen. From St. Ouen’s Parish Hall, the course takes you south towards St. Brelade where you can expect cheering crowds and a sixth water stop. The final stretch is a downhill run along The Railway Walk and a flat finish along the avenue all the way back to St. Helier. Easy enough, right?
The Jersey marathon fact sheet.
What you need to know.
When and where?
You’ll need to be at Weighbridge Place, St Helier at 9:00 am on Sunday 06 October.
Where’s the Marathon Village?
The Marathon Village is located at Weighbridge Place, St. Helier.
Will there be water stations around the course?
Of course. There are twelve water stations throughout the course and plenty of jelly baby stops, too.
The Marathon Man
Training tips from Rock n Road.
The co-owner of running shop and community hub Rock n Road, Rik De Louche shares his insider knowledge of the Jersey Marathon.
What makes the Jersey Marathon so special?
For locals, a big draw is being able to race such a challenging distance on home turf with crowd support. We all train on the roads, lanes and paths which make up the course so there is certainly a familiarity which is very appealing. For many it is also their first marathon, so going that distance for the first time is always very special. If you’re visiting from abroad, the route is very beautiful. You’re running in a mostly rural and peaceful, traffic-free environment which can’t be said for a lot of marathons!
What is your favourite part of the course?
Tricky question as there are so many great sections! As a Wetsie (and trail runner) I’d probably have to say the section running out to Corbiere. The crowd support at Les Quennevais carries you up the Railway Walk and you can never tire of seeing the lighthouse at the end. Plus at that turnaround point, you know you’re on the home stretch with a lovely downhill into St Aubins.
Any specific training tips for the Jersey Marathon?
Jersey is a tough course for several reasons but mostly due to the elevation profile and often windy conditions. My advice would be to incorporate hills into your training and go out running when it’s blowing a hoolie and chucking it down because you can’t choose the weather on race day. I would also suggest running each of the sections at least once and practising pacing strategies in training, especially on uphills where you’ll need to slow down and conserve energy for later in the race. Try and run the first part of the race slightly slower then pick up the pace in the second half so you can (hopefully) finish strong.
More ideas for your marathon weekend.
