Running in Guernsey
We all know and feel that being near the sea makes us feel calmer and many locals credit their daily runs or sea swim as the reason they feel calmer and 'reset' after a long day at work.
Whether you’re a seasoned runner looking for your next challenge or a beginner wanting to train for your first 5k, Guernsey has a vibrant and supportive running community ready to welcome runners of all abilities.
Guernsey offers a multitude of landscapes with varying levels of difficulty for your training. The Northern part of the island is home to flatter routes with a popular run along the East coast between St Peter Port and St Sampson, (where you can catch the sunrise and show off the pictures you took to your co-workers whilst they were fast asleep in bed!). In comparison, the South of the island, which is home to dramatic cliffs with their criss-cross network of cliff paths, provides challenging and varied running terrain for those looking to increase both fitness and stamina.
For those that have recently relocated to Guernsey, running offers an excellent opportunity to explore the island and meet and connect with likeminded individuals through one of the many on-island running events hosted each year. Whatever your ability, you can be assured there is a route and challenge for everyone.
1. Guernsey Parkrun – Weekly on a Saturday
A free, fun and friendly 5k community event which occurs every Saturday – come rain or shine – where participants have the choice to walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate! The course takes place at L’Ancresse Common next to Pembroke Bay and is run entirely by volunteers who take part for their own enjoyment, so there is zero pressure to run a personal best or even complete the course.
2. EY Easter Running Festival
The EY Easter Running festival is a four-day festival and is usually held over the Easter weekend and each day offers a different style of race for both experienced and aspiring athletes.
The events comprise of 5k and 10k road races, the Keith Falla Memorial full course cross country and a 4×1 mile relay race. The relay race will be taking place at Delancey Park to enhance the spectator experience as well as to showcase the island further to visiting athletes.
3. Butterfield Half Marathon
For those looking for a more challenging experience, there's the Guernsey Half Marathon. A stunning 13.1-mile flat coastal road route, starting in the south-west corner of the island running along the town seafront, culminating in a grand finish outside the Tourist Information Office in St Peter Port. Not only does this run provide an enticing challenge for new runners, it is also a fantastic community event as spectators line up throughout the course to cheer on participants and hand out sweets and water.
Butterfield Half Marathon page
4. Sure Guernsey Marathon
This weekend sees the return of the annual Guernsey Marathon. Starting and finishing at the South Esplanade, St Peter Port the 26.2-mile-long course takes competitors through some of the island’s most scenic areas of country lanes, picturesque valleys and the beautiful coast of Guernsey.
Welcoming a variety of runners from elite and semi-professional athletes competing for the top prizes, to friends and colleagues taking part as a team in the relay, to families having fun whilst raising money for their chosen charity – this is an event for every type of runner!
5. Guernsey Ultra Marathon - GU36
Finally, for those who are wanting to step up to ultra-distances there is the Guernsey Ultra Marathon! A 36-mile mixed terrain race around the island with checkpoints further apart than a standard marathon, this will accustom runners to the more self-sufficient way that most ultra-races are run.
Both local and overseas runners alike can sign up to any of the above events. If you would like to participate from overseas, head over to our Transport Links page for more information about travelling to Guernsey.
For further information about accommodation in Guernsey, please go to Visit Guernsey’s website.
Please note, Guernsey is not a part of the UK or the EU, you are advised to check that your travel insurance includes medical cover for Guernsey.
As of 1st January 2023, Guernsey has a Reciprocal Health Arrangement with the UK that allows necessary healthcare to be provided to Bailiwick residents visiting the UK and vice versa. Necessary healthcare refers to treatment that is urgent or cannot wait until the patient has returned home.
For further information about the Reciprocal Health Arrangement, please visit:
If you are considering relocating to the island, the team at Locate Guernsey are on hand to provide confidential guidance throughout your relocation journey free of charge. If you would like to understand how Guernsey could work for you, please get in touch:
