FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Entries Open For The Bournemouth Marathon Festival 2014
GET set runners - the marathon with the most stunning sea views is back and
promises to showcase the very best of Bournemouth and Poole.
Entries open for the Bournemouth Marathon Festival 2014 which will see
thousands of runners take to the streets of the coastal resorts on October
4 and 5, 2014. Bournemouth Pier which is set in the centre of seven miles
of golden sand, framed by the Isle of Wight and the Purbeck Hills, is part
of the spectacular finish area just one of the route highlights in a series
of seaside races which are rapidly becoming an unmissable diary date in the
running calendar. The award winning Boscombe Pier also features in the
family friendly festival which as well as a marathon includes a half
marathon, Supersonic 10K, Speed of Light 5K and two junior races.
More than 9,000 runners entered to take part in the first Bournemouth
Marathon Festival which saw super-fit Ebisa Merga claim the inaugural
marathon trophy, racing to the finish line in two hours, 16 minutes and 42
seconds. The 25-year-old from Ethiopia was elated to set the course record
benchmark. Now organisers are keen to build on that success with an
unbeatable 2014 event.
Neil Kilgour, Bournemouth Marathon Festival director, said: "We're proud to
deliver the Bournemouth Marathon Festival in such a stunning location.
"We'd like to congratulate everyone who took part and thank all the crowds
who turned out to cheer the runners on. It was a wonderful, sun filled
weekend and all the volunteers who gave their time so willingly contributed
greatly towards making the day a success.
"With miles of glorious, unspoilt golden sands and clear blue sea,
Bournemouth and Poole, provide a beautiful backdrop for the ultimate run in
a pure and clean natural environment. Now is the time to make 2014 your
year. The earlier you sign up the better, both to guarantee a place and set
aside plenty of time to work out a sound training programme so you're in
peak condition on the big day. There really couldn't be a better time to
plan a trip to the south coast of England."
And there's an early bird discount for everyone who signs up for the
Bournemouth Marathon Festival before October 20. The running festival
offers a race for almost every age and ability. An excellent half marathon
- one of the fastest growing race distances. A 5K Speed of Light race where
runners are provided with a luminous LED wristband and light up the coastal
town as they run at dusk provides some magical moments for runners and
spectators. And runners taking part in the fast and flat Supersonic 10k
run are treated to music from bands along the route, providing an excellent
platform for talented local musicians. And two junior races means kids as
young as six can take home a medal. But at the heart of the weekend is the
Bournemouth Marathon on October 5 - the pinnacle of endurance athletics.
Super slimmer Karl Randall (pix available below) completed his 100th
marathon when he crossed the finish line of the Bournemouth Marathon this
year. The 46-year-old dad of one from Tamworth who has raced in marathons
all over the world tipped the scales at 18 stone before running changed his
life and admits even three minute on a treadmill was a struggle at first.
Today highways engineer Karl who at 6ft weighs a svelte 12 stone 4lbs is
proud of the three hours, 53 minutes and 36 seconds personal best he
reached at the inaugural Bournemouth Marathon. He can add that medal to an
impressive haul which also includes the New York, Paris, London and
Edinburgh marathons.
Karl said: "The years and the weight disappeared when I started running.
"Running has changed everything for me. But I've waited five years to run a
marathon in under four hours and now I've done it. That's why Bournemouth
will always be special.
"I'm delighted to join the elite 100 marathon club. I just love running and
I'm sure there are many more marathons to come. I'm definitely coming back
to run Bournemouth next year. It was an unbeatable day."
And caring Jennifer Sweetlove, a keen Poole Athletic Club member is just
one of an army of runners who signed up for the Bournemouth Marathon
Festival to raise funds for the marathon's Official Charity, Macmillan
Cancer Support. Mum of two Jennifer, 37, of Broadstone raised more than
£500 for the charity after completing this year's half marathon in one
hour, 41 minutes and eight seconds.
Jennifer said: "I enjoy the freedom of running and the ability to get away
from it all.
"It helps to clear my mind. I loved running the Bournemouth half marathon.
The crowds cheering along the way made it a great day so I'd recommend it
to people out there thinking about taking on a challenge. I can't wait to
do it all again next year and this time I might even try the marathon."
The Bournemouth Marathon Festival which in 2014 will be in its second year
is also a chance to make a difference to other people's lives by raising
money for charity. Macmillan Cancer Support is the Bournemouth Marathon
Festival Official Charity but there are hundreds of affiliated charities to
choose to run for. More than 750 charity runners fundraised for 150
different Affiliate Charities in 2013. It is hoped that more than half a
million pounds will be raised for charity during the Bournemouth Marathon
Festival 2014.
ENTRIES open for the 2014 Bournemouth Marathon Festival on Monday October 7
2013 with an early bird discount for everyone who registers for any race
distance before October 20 at www.run-bmf.com.
Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BournemouthMarathonFestival
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