7 On-Island Physical Challenges To Set Yourself This Year

 

It has been proven that putting yourself through physically challenging activities can actually teach you to be open to new opportunities and ideas. Challenging your body trains your mind in this way. Plus, regularly challenging yourself to physically demanding events has been proven to build your confidence and self-esteem. With that said, is this the year to set yourself a challenge for mind and body?

If you're looking for inspiration, here's our round up of some of the best challenges around locally this year. Some have been on hiatus for a couple of years, some you will recognise - and others a brand new opportunities to give it a good go. Many of these challenges also come with the option to raise funds for local charities too, so its win-win really.

Let's dive into the list.

 

 

1.  The Guernsey Marathon

The Guernsey Marathon is taking place on Sunday 3rd April and the course takes runners through some of the island’s most scenic areas the beautiful coast of Guernsey, starting and finishing on Castle Pier in town. 

The race is split into three categories; the Marathon, the Mourant Relay Race and the Fun Run and the organisers welcome a variety of runners from elite & semi-professional athletes to friends and colleagues taking part as a team in the relay.

There's also the Butterfield Half Marathon on Sunday 18th September if you need more time to get some training in.

 

2.  30/30 Cycling Challenge

The Ian Brown starts on Saturday 30th April 2022. Cyclists are being challenged to cycle for 60 minutes a day for 30 days starting on Saturday 30th April, to raise funds for Les Bourgs Hospice. 

It's a very social event, with a traditional opening day breakfast and a meet up on Sunday 29th May to ride the last stretch of the Rock to Rocques bike ride together to celebrate finishing the challenge.

 

 

3.  Saffery Rotary Walk

The Saffery Rotary Walk is taking place on Saturday 11th June. Sign up for this round-the-island walk and take in our beautiful coastline in all its glory. 

Walkers start in the early hours of the morning and head south, walking for 39 miles around the island. There are alternative options if you don't want to take the whole island challenge - you can complete a section of the route or walk as part of a relay team so that you walk within your own levels of fitness and ability, but still take part in the event.

 

4.  30 Bays in 30 Days

This is the Les Bourgs summer swimming challenge, we're all tempted to take part in. 

It's a chance to make the most of the summer in Guernsey by swimming at least 30 strokes in 30 bays around the island during the month of July. You don't have to swim every day (cos sometimes life gets in the way, right?) To make it work for you, you can bank the swims on weekends or whenever you have more time. Head over to 30 Bays in 30 Days nearer the time to see the list of bays and sign up for the challenge.

Take care out there and enjoy your swims!

 

5.  24-Hour Swim Challenge

Join Adrian Sarchet, Guernsey's very own Sea Donkey, when he takes on a sponsored swim with a difference. He's doing the Vive La Vallette challenge, swimming laps of the Ladies Pool for 24 hours from 3pm on Saturday 20th August to 3pm on Sunday 21st August, with a target distance of 41 miles. That's the equivalent of swimming from England to France... and back again! 

He's inviting corporate teams, social groups and individuals to swim alongside him for one-hour slots. 

Head over to Vive La Vallette for registration details and information on fundraising. Spaces are limited, so early entry is recommended.

 

6.  Triathlon Challenge

oin the Guernsey's Try A Tri community for all things swim, bike and run based on island. They have a whole range of triathlon events planned for the year ahead, including a Novice Triathlon in May, giving you an opportunity to give triathlon a go in a fun, friendly and supportive atmosphere - you just need some bathers, a bike (and helmet) and your favourite trainers!

They're a friendly bunch and their events are open to everyone - no matter what standard or level of fitness you are, you will  be made to feel welcome. 

 

 

7.  10k Fun Run

This event is a 10k fun run to promote better mental health, raising funds for Guernsey MIND.

This inclusive event is open to anyone over 16 years old, and it's a challenge for all abilities... you can run, walk or do a mix of both.

Good luck - and report back to us if you do decide to challenge yourself this year!