WHAT does it take to do the Jersey Marathon?
Well, aside from the obvious stamina and the fitness aspect, it takes grit, determination and heart to take on one of the biggest endurance challenges there is, and that was on full show on Sunday in the 21st edition of the Standard Chartered Jersey Marathon – even a little bit of history was made, with a new women’s record.
More than 2,100 runners laced up their trainers and set off from the start line in what was the momentous 20th year of one of the most highly anticipated community events Jersey has to offer, joined by a team of generous volunteers and masses of boisterous supporters to make for an unforgettable day.
Whether it was the full-distance marathon, the Titan Wealth Relay or the Marathon Mile, sponsored by Jersey Development Company, everyone who stepped out gave their all, tested their limits and inspired all in attendance, showing great courage to take on the mammoth challenge.
First to cross the line was Samuel Kimtai Kwarat (left), who repeated last year’s feat of winning the men’s overall title, crossing the line with a time of 2:19:56 showing on the board – just shy of his 2:17:01 time from 2025.
“I’m feeling really good, the course was good but it was filled with small challenges – the wind was tough,” he said. “But, I feel I managed those really well, and I’m happy with the time, given the challenges I faced.”
Kenyan Gladys Kiptoo came into the marathon with one focus – to break the record, and she certainly lived up to the huge expectations, as she smashed Alice Braham’s 2:40:47 record from last year with a time of 2:35:57.
When asked how she was feeling, Kiptoo replied: “I’m feeling really good, really happy to win the marathon.
“It was amazing to make a bit of history and break the record, that was my focus all along. The course was good, but the wind was very strong at some points along the sea, so I just had to slow down the pace and get comfortable. I’m just very happy with everything.”
The race-day atmosphere of a marathon is one that is hard to match, and the energy at this year’s never dropped – even legendary goalkeeper David James was in attendance down at the Weighbridge.
That was evident right from the start, where the nerves, anticipation and excitement kept building while the runners stretched and warmed up.
Those taking on the full distance set off at 9am, pouring through Mulcaster Street before then turning off at La Motte Street, then heading through Hilary Street and down Halkett Place on their way to departing St Helier.
A great challenge lay ahead for the runners, as they passed West Park, Bellozanne and Ville ès Nouaux before turning up Waterworks Valley. The runners then made their way around St John’s Manor, heading all the way up to Vinchelez de Haut Manor.
The runners then began to loop back around, passing St Peter’s Village and Les Quennevais before hitting La Corbière, where they then turned back around towards Victoria Avenue.
With the finish line getting nearer, the challengers twisted and turned through the Esplanade, around the Waterfront and then down Commercial Street, before the home straight of Wharf Street through to the finish line at the Weighbridge.
The Titan Wealth Relay saw teams of either two or five runners take on the iconic course from 9.30am, giving more the opportunity to experience the big race atmosphere.
Team Endurance Coaching Crew came in as the fastest five-person relay team, with a time of 2:38:19, while Team Over the Hill’s time of 2:37:28 topped the lot in the two-person relay.
The final ones to set off from the start line were those taking on The Marathon Mile, which saw runners from the age of six take on the fun challenge of a special one-lap course through St Helier. Leo Gage completed the fastest Marathon Mile, doing it in just 5 minutes and 13 seconds.
Henry Baye, Chief Executive of Standard Chartered Jersey, said: “Jersey Marathon means a lot for loads of different people. For us as a bank, it means so much, as it’s a great opportunity to show that we’re a part of this community, while showing genuine support for it.
“For all of the people who are volunteering, watching, handing out water out there on the field, it’s this wonderful day of generosity, sunshine, mirth and laughter and it’s just a wonderful day across the Island for all the runners.
“There are thousands and thousands of stories out there – somebody’s out there running in their late father’s memory, someone’s running to raise funds for cancer, someone’s running it with their mum and others are personally challenging themselves, such as the one who’s running the A-Z of marathons.
“There are so many stories behind the marathon and it means a lot for Jersey as a community, because this has gradually become a global event – we’re putting Jersey on the map. Loads are coming over – there’s a Liverpool legend here every year and so much money is raised for charity.
“We use some of the funds to support our own Standard Chartered Foundation, which is doing a lot of work in eliminating economic inequality and promoting opportunities for many young people.”
This cannot just be confined as a sporting event – it is one for the whole community, and that can be seen by the wide impact it has on our Island.
This year, runners also supported the race-day donation schemes designed to extend the event’s positive impact beyond the finish line.
Since 2024, participants have been able to donate pre-loved trainers through the event’s Trainer Drop-off scheme, with all footwear distributed to local charities The Shelter Trust and Acorn for resale.
Participants can also donate unwanted jumpers and jackets in dedicated drop-off areas, helping turn race-day essentials into vital fundraising opportunities.
Jersey Marathon continues to play an important role in supporting meaningful causes.
Participants can raise funds for local charities close to their hearts, while a percentage of entry fees supports the Standard Chartered Foundation, which works to tackle inequality and expand economic opportunities for young people.
Standard Chartered Jersey also continued its long-standing relationship with St John Ambulance Jersey, whose trained and equipped volunteers provided first-aid cover throughout the event.
This year marks 20 years of partnership between the marathon and St John Ambulance Jersey, whose support has helped ensure the safety and wellbeing of participants since the event’s early days.
