With scenery ranging from cliff views and beach fronts to reservoirs and quiet country lanes, it is no surprise that running culture thrives in Guernsey. With an abundance of routes and views, there is no better way for avid runners to explore our Islands.
Whether you are looking for a gentle beginner’s route or more of a challenge on the cliff paths, we have collated some of Guernsey’s most scenic trails to get you started.
This list is certainly not exhaustive, and many more routes can be found easily on Strava.
Short-distance routes
Parkrun
Guernsey Parkrun is a weekly community event open to all, offering a free timed 5km run, but attendees are also welcome to jog or walk if preferred. Taking place at Pembroke Bay, Vale, every Saturday at 9 am, participants of all abilities and ages (4+) are welcome - you can even bring your dog!
The 5km follows an easy coastal route consisting of compacted stone-dust paths and grass tracks. All runners are encouraged to move at their own pace and are invited to join in a post-Parkrun coffee at The Beach House.
The event is managed by volunteers. All you have to do to join is register online beforehand to receive a scannable barcode, which will allow you to receive your time at the end.
Fermain Loop
Coming in at 3.5 miles, this is a short but challenging route, starting from Albert Pier in the heart of St Peter Port. Taking you up the start of the Val des Terres and then cutting onto the cliff paths, the trail includes challenging climbs through wooded paths down towards Fermain Bay.
For your efforts, you are rewarded by some of Guernsey’s most spectacular cliff views over the south coast. There are plenty of benches en route, providing an opportunity to overlook the neighbouring islands of Herm, Sark, and Jersey, and even France on a clear day.
Once you arrive at Fermain Bay, circle back around the Beach Cafe and follow the same route back to St Peter Port. If you aren’t short of time, why not stop to enjoy a refreshment and take in the picturesque view?
St Peter Port 5k
A flat route in the town of St Peter Port, this run starts in line with the H pontoon at the Queen Elizabeth II Marina.
Heading north along the coastal road, pass the Marinas towards St Sampons and then turn back once you reach the traffic lights at Grand Maison Road.
A gentle run, this is ideal for all abilities and offers stunning views over the water across to Herm and Sark.
Medium-distance routes
Icart Loop
A tough loop starting from Icart point, this route is considered Guernsey’s most difficult 5-mile trail. The trail is comprised of primarily cliff path terrain, but includes some short road sections.
Despite being a challenging trail, with a range of climbs and some steep stairs, it does offer unbeatable views over the south coast.
St Saviour Run
A beautiful countryside route through the middle of the island, this run is ideal for anyone wanting to explore more rural locations in Guernsey whilst also still taking in coastal views.
Starting in Saumarez Park, the largest public park in Guernsey, the trail takes you on a loop of varying elevation.
With a cafe located in the park, enjoy a refreshment after your run, overlooking the carefully curated exotic plant life in the gardens, including camellias and magnolias.
Jerbourg to Saints Bay Harbour
An undulating route in the south of the island, this run offers beautiful views out to sea and includes some of Guernsey’s most scenic landscapes. Passing through Moulin Huet, you will overlook the same natural beauty that inspired Renoir. The perfect excuse to take a break and admire your surroundings!
Starting at the scenic Jerbourg, head from the car park off to the right and pick up the path. There are several steep climbs along the way, particularly coming out of Moulin Huet as well as up the steps at Saints Bay Harbour. Once you reach the harbour, take a seaside break before making your way back to Jerbourg.
When you have completed your run, spend some time exploring Jerbourg, which is considered one of the most idyllic places on the island. Treat yourself to a refreshment available at the kiosk or hotel cafe and enjoy a leisurely morning or afternoon on the south coast.
Long-distance routes
The Dogbreaker: Full Cliffs
A 15-mile journey, this route tackles some of the island’s most demanding terrain.
Setting off from Havelet Bay in St Peter Port, the trail heads straight for the cliff paths and follows them around the east and south cliffs to Pleinmont. With a diverse landscape and the sea as a constant companion, this is the perfect way for experienced runners to explore some of Guernsey’s most stunning scenery.
Whilst incredibly challenging, there are plenty of rest stops along the way, as well as cafes and kiosks. You will find the halfway point at Petit Pot, 8 miles in.
This course can also be run in reverse, and there is great public transportation access to help you start at Pleinmont on the southwest coast.
The Sure Guernsey Marathon 2025
The Sure Guernsey Marathon is an annual event that sees runners travel to the island from all over to race the 26.2-mile route.
The race is split into three categories: the relay race, the marathon, and the marathon mile.
Designed to take you through some of the most picturesque areas of the island, participants will traverse through country lanes, valleys and along the coastline.
The marathon begins at the South Esplanade, where the Marathon Village is stationed, situated at the bottom of the Val des Terres in St Peter Port. You will find 8 water stations en route, and there are plenty of marshalls to guide and encourage you throughout the course.
Managed in accordance with UK Athletics Rules, this year’s race will take place on Sunday 6th April 2025.
Looking for an ultra-distance challenge? The GU36 is an annual event with a 36-mile trail encompassing mixed terrain.
Participants embark on a circular route around the entire coastline of the island of Guernsey.
Beginning at the Liberation Monument in the town of St Peter Port, the trail starts with 16 miles of cliff paths along the south coast of the island. With steep climbs and wooded paths, take extra care with your footing. Trail shoes are recommended for this portion of the run.
At 16 miles, you will find the first full checkpoint at Portlet for water, snacks and your drop bag.
Emerging from the sheltered cliff paths, head out onto the flat terrain of the west coast. Comprised of some of Guernsey’s most popular bays and beaches, you will see surfers, paddle boarders and wild swimmers soaking up the sun. There are also plenty of kiosks lining the coast in case you fancy a quick snack.
Once you reach the 25-mile mark, you can stop at a fully stocked checkpoint to refuel before tackling the north coast. Finally, head down the east coast to return to St Peter Port and complete your journey.
For those new to ultra-distance running, the checkpoints may be further apart than you are accustomed to during marathons. This is designed to familiarise you with the more self-sufficient nature of ultra-distance running.
This year the race will be taking place on the 18th May 2025.
Taking place from the 20th - 26th July 2025, this year marks the 29th edition of the All Terrain Challenge.
Consisting of seven races over seven consecutive days, the challenge has long been a highlight of Guernsey’s athletics calendar, testing endurance, speed, and versatility across the island’s diverse landscapes.
This week-long series of races takes competitors through a mix of terrains, from gruelling hill climbs and rugged cliff paths to fast-paced road sprints. Adding to the excitement, a surprise event at Footes Lane athletic track keeps participants on their toes - past editions have even featured a Steeplechase!
The challenge concludes with a final race on the neighbouring island of Herm, followed by a well-earned awards evening at The Mermaid, where athletes can celebrate their achievements.
With a wide range of abilities participating, all runners over the age of 18 are welcome to sign up.
All running events in Guernsey
Guernsey Running Events
Other running events taking place in Guernsey include:
EY Easter Running Festival 2025
Attracting visitors from overseas each year, the festival consists of four races, and participants are allowed to enter as many or as few races as they like.
This year, the festival will be taking place from Friday 18 April to Monday 21 April and includes the following:
- Friday 18th: flat road 5k route
- Saturday 19th: 4.75 mile cross-country route
- Sunday 20th: 4x1 mile team relay
- Monday 21st: 10k road race
A friendly competition for all abilities and ages, entries can be made on an individual basis or as part of a team of four runners, with prizes for top-placed finishers.
The Junior Easter Running Festival is a three-day event taking place in conjunction with the main EY Easter Running Festival. It includes an exciting variety of races: a beach run, a cross country run and a relay race.
Marking its 25th year, The Butterfield Half Marathon is a fast-paced flat route along the Guernsey coastline and will take place this year on Sunday 14th September
Starting at L’Eree in the southwest of the island, runners follow the 13.1 mile coast road, finishing in St Peter Port. Suitable for all abilities, from seasoned runners to amateurs and families, everyone is welcome to join this annual event.
All finishers will receive a commemorative medal and have the option to order a free souvenir running t-shirt or vest. This year, competitors will also have the option to forgo a t-shirt or vest and, instead, a donation will be made to Butterfield Half Marathon’s charity of choice for the equivalent cost of each item. Please select from these options when registering for the event.
It is important to note that any entries made after Sunday 30th June will not be guaranteed a t-shirt or vest, so we recommend entering as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
Participants must be at least 17 years of age on the date of the race.
Guernsey Running Groups
If you’re looking for a social non-competitive running experience on Guernsey, why not check out one of the active groups on island?
JP Runners, an informal amateur running group, offers three social runs each week and encourages anyone to come along.
No payment or membership is required, and you are free to join as many or as few runs as you wish.
Typically, their weekly runs are structured as follows:
- Tuesday evenings: hills and sprints, from North Beach in the winter and various coastal locations in the summer.
- Thursday evenings: cliff path runs in the summer, and 4 - 6 mile runs from various pre-arranged locations in the winter.
- Sunday mornings: easy pace 5-mile runs, finishing at a nearby cafe for refreshments and a dip in the sea for those who enjoy a swim!
Offering untimed recreational group runs, Ramble Run Club welcomes all participants over the age of 18.
Hosting Sunday Social Runs, the group embarks on a weekly 5k, followed by an optional swim for those who are keen!
Enjoying routes of varying terrain including roads, cliff paths, park footpaths, cycle tracks and more, participants can expect uneven trails and mixed levels of elevations on group runs.
The club has also previously hosted social events, including their Little Big Brewery x Ramble Run Club night where attendees completed a 5k run followed by happy-hour pints at the local brewery.
Operating Monday evening Run Fit sessions, Strive Run Life caters to all abilities, from beginners through to experienced runners.
Taking place year-round, winter classes focus on strength and technique, concentrating on drills and hills. In summer, participants enjoy planned runs in various locations, seeking to challenge their pace and cadence.
For those visiting the Islands of Guernsey, drop-ins (single session participants) are welcome, subject to availability, for a fee of £15.00.
