It’s no secret that The Islands of Guernsey are well equipped for getting active. Our cliff paths and coastal routes make for scenic hikes, the sea surrounding our Islands is perfect for wild swimming, and our beaches are ideal for yoga.
Each year, many large, organised sporting events take place across our Islands. If you're interested in taking part, many are open to locals and visitors alike, and all events welcome cheering spectators, if that's more your scene.
From epic walks and runs, to marathons and triathlons, there's lots to try out. Whether you’re a beginner looking for that first event to train for, a family wanting to take part as a team, or a competitive professional, there's something for you. We’ve listed all of the events announced for this year to help you find your next sporting challenge.
Guernsey Park Run
When: Every Saturday Morning
Where: Pembroke Bay
Who: Open to all (including children and dogs)
A 5k run every Saturday morning, all year round. The Park Run is an off-road course next to a beautiful beach, with many runners going for a swim or stopping in for a bite to eat and a drink at The Beach House at Pembroke afterwards. You’ll be running alongside runners of all abilities, as well as children and dogs, so this is the perfect, relaxed event for all. There is no need to book, just turn up in your running kit between 9 and 10am.
EY Easter Running Festival 2024
Where: Around Guernsey
When: 29th March – 1st April
Who: Over 18s. Separate Junior Event. Open to spectators.
The EY Easter Running Festival has an excellent reputation for its quality and friendly competition from the front of the field throughout standards and ages. The 2024 festival includes a 5km road race, 4.75-mile full course cross country, 4x1 mile relay race and 10km road race.
The Junior Easter Running Festival is a three day event taking pace in conjunction with the main EY Easter Running Festival. It includes an exciting variety of races including a beach run, cross country and a relay race.
The Sure Guernsey Marathon 2024
Where: Around Guernsey
When: 14th April
Who: Over 18s
Join athletes for the annual Guernsey Marathon. The race takes participants through some of Guernsey’s most scenic areas, starting on South Esplanade at the button of the Val Des Terres, and is an opportunity to see parts of the Island you may otherwise not get to experience. The course will have 8 water stations and plenty of marshalls to keep you along the right track and encourage you as you run. Please note that entrants must be over 18.
World Indoor Bowls Championship
When: 21st-27th April.
Where: Indoor Bowls Centre, Guernsey.
Who: Professionals will be playing. Open to spectators.
The World Bowls Indoor Championships will be taking place in Guernsey in April 2024. Keep your eye out for more information which will be available nearer the time.
GU36 - The Guernsey Ultra
When: 19th May.
Where: Around Guernsey, starting and ending in St Peter Port.
Who: Only suitable for experienced long distance runners.
The GU36 is a 36-mile race around Guernsey, perfect for those wanting to challenge themselves with an ultra distance. There will be multiple checkpoints along the route to allow runners to replenish their energy. This is a mixed terrain race, so competitors can expect everything from cliff paths to coastal routes and concrete.
Entries are full for this year’s race, but the waiting list on the GU36 website is available for those wanting to sign up. Those who sign up for the waiting list will find out if they have a place in the race a minimum of 10 weeks prior.
The Saffery Rotary Walk
When: 8th June.
Where: Around Guernsey, starting and ending in St Peter Port.
Who: Open to all.
A challenging walk around Guernsey, this 39 mile route follows the coast from St Peter Port, along the south coast, towards the west and north of the Island and then back round to St Peter Port. You'll be treated to expansive vistas on the cliffs, cheering support through town and serene sea views on the west coast.
The Saffery Rotary Walk is one of the largest charity fundraising events on the Islands of Guernsey and, throughout the years, has supported dozens of worthy charities.
You can walk it solo, in a group, or as part of a relay team.
The Alderney Regatta
When: 24th - 24th August.
Where: Alderney.
Who: Open to experienced sailors, spectators welcome.
The Alderney Sailing Club is excited to welcome all sailors for their annual weekend of great sailing, hospitality and fun.
The programme of events will be published closer to the time.
The Guernsey Granite Man
When: 1st September
Where: Around Guernsey.
Who: Open to all.
The Guernsey Granite Man, the most southerly middle distance triathlon in the British Isles, is incredibly popular with locals and visitors alike, attracting an international crowd. A friendly club event, you'll be encouraged all the way by other participants and marshals. The swim section is one mile in the open sea water, followed by a 56-mile bike ride over tarmac, and finally a 13-mile (half marathon) run across the flat - the perfect way to end the race.
Entries for this year's event are not yet open, but keep an eye on this space or visit the Guernsey Triathlon Club website for more information.
The Butterfield Half Marathon
When: 15th September.
Where: Around Guernsey.
Who: Open to anyone aged 17+.
Challenge yourself to a 13.1-mile coastal route, starting at L’Eree in the South West of the Island, running along the seafront and finishing in St Peter Port. Visitors are welcome to sign up and experience this unique half-marathon route.
All competitors will receive a medal to keep as a memento of their achievement and the first 500 participants to sign up will receive a souvenir technical running t-shirt or vest.
Weekend Running Retreat
When: 4th - 7th October.
Where: Around Guernsey and Herm.
Who: Open to all.
Guernsey Running Retreats are hosting a weekend of guided runs, all set against the beautiful and varied backdrops of Guernsey and Herm. Whether you like quiet country lanes, stunning rocky cliff paths, or long sweeping bays, they have running routes for everyone. Plus there's a strength and conditioning assessment from Olympian Lee Merrien, so you'll leave with tips and advice to make the most of your running.
25th December: The Polar Bear Swim
When: 25th December - time TBC
Where: La Vallette Bathing Pools
Who: Open to all.
The Guernsey Swimming Club are holding the annual Polar Bear Swim on Christmas Day. This event is open to everyone of all ages and always proves to be a fantastic atmosphere, a great start to your Christmas morning.
Boxing Day Swim
When: 26th December - Time TBC
Where: Cobo Bay
Who: Open to all.
The best way to refresh after a day of celebrating, the Boxing Day swim is an annual event taking place at Cobo Bay. Join thousands of islanders who brave the cold and take a dip in the sea. Funds raised go towards the upkeep of local charity the Guernsey Cheshire Home, who aim to provide care and opportunity for people with serious physical disabilities.
Be sure to keep an eye on this space, as more sporting events will be added as they are announced.
