RUNNING for many has become as much a source of escape as a way of maintaining fitness.
In a day and age where technology has taken a position of prominence and so much time is absorbed by social media, running has proved a vital getaway and a form of physical activity more accessible than most.
Participation in Jersey Parkrun continues to grow, as well as the NHS’ Couch to 5K initiative, which has extended across the Channel to our island.
All you need is a pair of shoes and space to run.
We are blessed in Jersey with an abundance of scenic trails and coastal runs to be explored.
At the elite end of the spectrum is George Rice.
The Jersey Spartan enjoyed a stellar 2023 with many of his personal bests broken across various distances, culminating in a handful of wins in local races and top finishes in the UK.
Despite running taking a more competitive nature for Rice, the reason he began is not lost on him.
He said: “I just really love the feeling of being outside and in the elements.
“I fell for that aspect of running and it served as a really effective release for me.
“You are able to do it anywhere all over the world, all you need is a pair of shoes and your own steam.”
For the Caesarean, the primary goal entering the year was the Island Games in Guernsey.
It was his maiden appearance in the event and proved a successful visit to our neighbouring island.
“Most of my preparations earlier on in the year were focused on being ready for the Guernsey Games.
“I had never participated in one, so it was a really proud moment.
“Obviously I trained very hard in the build-up, but I didn’t have any real hopes of a medal.
“To claim bronze in the half marathon was an amazing feeling.
“I checked the previous results of Jersey athletes in the discipline before I went and we hadn’t had a medallist for about 25 years.
“The atmosphere there, especially during the 10,000 metres at the track, was electric.
“It felt like there was constant noise for the entire race, which was amazing to be a part of.
“For my first Games, it really exceeded all my expectations.”
The 29-year-old grew up an avid footballer while representing the Island in rugby as a junior.
However, in 2018, he started to take running more seriously, with the initial target of breaking the three-hour mark for Standard Chartered Jersey Marathon.
Rice would achieve that goal and turn his attention to shorter distances to hone his running technique, under the watchful eye of renowned Sarnian runner Lee Merrien.
Fresh targets were set and goalposts moved, as the Islander quickly became one of Jersey’s premier athletes.
“To really perfect technique and running economics, it is far easier to do that over the shorter formats.
“I was still pretty young at the time and had some speed, so it was the perfect time to make the most out of that pace.”
After the Guernsey Games, Rice continued to impress on Island and the national scene.
Wins locally in the Running For Frubbs 10 mile Race and also the Jersey Spartans Half Marathon were ultimately topped by an incredible personal best in the Telford 10K.
The Islander needed just 30mins 35secs to navigate the two-lap course, which is statistically the fastest 10km course within the UK.
His efforts culminated in a staggering 87th place finish from a total of 1,352 runners.
“You have to have an element of belief in yourself,” Rice added.
“I feel sometimes I do underestimate myself and my abilities, but ultimately you just need to free up to ensure you’re not holding yourself back.
“Most of the time I run off feel. I’m not really looking at the watch and split times. Over the years you develop a good sense of the pace you’re racing at.”
Looking to the future, the Caesarean has his eyes set on a second Island Games appearance. This time at the 2025 edition in the Scottish archipelago of Orkney.
Rice is again targeting the half-marathon and 10,000 metres, before turning his focus back to longer distances.
He added: “Marathons are definitely on my radar as I get older.
“I would also like to do some ultra-marathons as the years go on and I begin to focus more on distance goals as opposed to pace races.
“I’ve always tried to set attainable goals when it comes to running.
“My targets have to be realistic and then as you reach a certain benchmark, the goalposts then move to the next aim.”
When you next venture out for a run, remember that even Jersey’s most successful athletes started somewhere.
Running offers a direct correlation between effort and reward and the fact that each and every one of us have our own unique targets adds to the allure of the Jersey’s growing obsession with the hobby.
