Montserrat prepares to host a volcanic half-marathon
The Montserrat Tourist Board, in collaboration with the Montserrat Volcano Observatory and the Fittest Man Running Club, will be staging the first ever Montserrat Volcano Half-Marathon and Fun Run this December in support of three Montserrat charities.
The strenuous and unique event involves a route that passes some of the key tourism attractions on Montserrat, particularly the active Soufrière Hills Volcano and some of the areas the volcano has impacted. Points of interest along the route will include the Montserrat Cultural Centre, the entrance to Sir George Martin’s AIR Studios and the Belham River Valley which is covered in volcanic rubble (weather permitting). The course will be a very hilly one with spectacular sea-views all along the way.
As well as the 13.1-mile Half-Marathon course, fun runners and walkers will be invited to participate in a section of the route stretching approximately five miles. Water stops will be provided and medical staff will be on hand to assist runners.
Cash prizes will be awarded to the first three overall winners of the Volcano Half Marathon with EC$1,000 as first prize, EC$750 for second and EC$500 for third (approx £230 / £170 / £115). The first female and first youth finishers will also receive EC$500. The first runner to complete the Fun Run will receive EC$250 and the first walker to finish the course will get EC$100.
Registration for the Half-Marathon costs EC$50 (approx. £11.50) for residents and EC$80 (approx. £18) for non-residents. This includes a race T-shirt and a Souvenir Medal produced from volcanic material for all finishers. There is no entrance fee for Fun Run Participants although they can purchase T-shirts.
Surplus proceeds from this event will be donated to three Montserrat Charities: Special Olympics, Meals on Wheels and the Golden Years Retirement Home. The event will take place on Saturday 5th December 2009, as part of Montserrat’s Christmas Festival celebrations which take place throughout December.
Facebook users can find information on the event on the official facebook fan site. Search for ‘Montserrat Volcano Half Marathon’.
Full details on the Montserrat Volcano Half-Marathon and Fun Run can be found at visitmontserrat.com or by emailing info@montserrattourism.ms.
