Where can you find crazy golf, a planetarium, an outdoor climbing wall, classic film screening and some of the best cross country races the Island has to offer? All this and more are part of a brand-new event being staged at the West Wight Sports and Community Centre next month.
The Isle of Wight Festival of Running takes place on 2nd-4th June and aims to combine the growing popularity of running with activities which the whole family can enjoy. It has developed from the Needles Half Marathon which attracted 400 runners from across the world last year.
Clare Griffin, Centre Manager explains:
“Running has become hugely popular in the last few years, thanks to free schemes like Park Run and the Couch to 5K programme. But not everyone wants to tackle a half marathon or marathon. So, as part of the new Festival of Running, we have included a 5k race and a 10k race with routes designed to take entrants past local landmarks and places of interest such as Dimbola Museum, Farringford House and Tapnell Farm Park.”
The hugely popular Needles Junior Fun Run will be returning. Last year over 200 youngsters took part in the free race, many in fancy dress.
However, it’s not all about the running. The Festival Village, based on Jubilee Field next to the Sports Centre, will be open to the public throughout the weekend with a wide range of entertainment. There will be live music, pump action bike track and, for those brave enough, the chance to tackle the ‘Beat the Marine’ assault course.
More information about the Isle of Wight Festival of Running can be found at www.isleofwightfestivalofrunning.co.uk.
