A week celebrating running on the Isle of Wight began on Sunday 4th June as the 2023 IW Festival of Running kicked off with Junior Parkrun on tour in Appley, Ryde in the morning, with 114 runners taking part in the Ryde Harriers Brading 10k around the lanes of Ashey and Ryde later in the day.
A packed schedule of events
The week features a packed schedule of events, with local running clubs and groups welcoming runners of all abilities at a range of social and community runs, orienteering, the Freshwater 5k and Tapnell 10k races from West Wight Sports and Community Centre on Saturday 10th June, culminating in the Junior Fun Run at 11am on Sunday 10th June followed by the world-renowned Needles Half Marathon at midday.
A fundraiser for the charity
The eight-day event, organised by the West Wight Sports and Community Centre (WWSCC) as a fundraiser for the charity, is supported by over 100 volunteers and local businesses including Love Running, Tapnell Farm Park, Wightlink and Freshwater-based ethical clothing company TeeMill, along with a number of land owners along the route including Gift to Nature, National Trust, Freshwater Fruit Farm, Warren Farm, Brambles Farm and Linstone Chine Holidays.
Griffin: Grateful to volunteers and businesses for support
Clare Griffin, General Manager of West Wight Sports and Community Centre said,
“We are delighted to have grown The Isle of Wight Festival of Running again this year, partnering with local running clubs and groups to showcase the wide range of running opportunities and experiences that the Isle of Wight offers.
“We are grateful to all our volunteers who have been so generous with their time, and the local businesses who have supported us.”
Future events
Further events in the Isle of Wight running calendar this year include the Chilly Hilly 10 mile multi-terrain run taking place on Sunday 10th December 2023, preceded by the challenging Ryde Harriers Isle of Wight Marathon on 8th October.
The next Isle of Wight Festival of Running will take place during 2nd to 9th June 2024.
News shared by Rachel on behalf of West Wight Sports and Community Centre. Ed
Image: dulcey lima under CC BY 2.0
