It’s no secret that The Islands of Guernsey are well equipped for getting active. Our cliff paths and coastal routes make for scenic hikes, the sea surrounding our Islands is perfect for wild swimming, and our beaches are ideal for yoga.
Each year, many large, organised sporting events take place across our Islands. If you're interested in taking part, many are open to locals and visitors alike, and all events welcome cheering spectators, if that's more your scene.
From epic walks and runs, to marathons and triathlons, there's lots to try out. Whether you’re a beginner looking for that first event to train for, a family wanting to take part as a team, or a competitive professional, there's something for you. We’ve listed all of the events announced for this year to help you find your next sporting challenge.
Guernsey Park Run
When: Every Saturday Morning
Where: Pembroke Bay
Who: Open to all (including children and dogs)
A 5k run every Saturday morning, all year round. The Park Run is an off-road course next to a beautiful beach, with many runners going for a swim or stopping in for a bite to eat and a drink at Pembroke Beach café afterwards. You’ll be running alongside runners of all abilities, as well as children and dogs, so this is the perfect, relaxed event for all. There is no need to book, just turn up in your running kit between 9 and 10am.
2023 Coastal Walk Series
Where: Coastal Routes in Guernsey.
When: Every Saturday from 1st April - 30th September.
Who: Open to all.
Explore Guernsey’s coast this summer. These guided walks will provide some of the most spectacular views of our Islands and information on Guernsey’s history, flora, fauna and folk tales. The circular 2-hour routes all start and end at bus stops/parking areas with refreshments available nearby. Please note that these walks may involve rough ground and slopes.
Guided Walks Around St Peter Port
Where: St Peter Port.
When: 1st April - 31st October.
Who: Open to all.
Learn more about the history of St Peter Port on a guided walk. Taking place every day at 10:30am, with an additional walk at 5:30pm every Wednesday, each walk lasts around 1.5 - 2 hours and allows you to explore Guernsey’s capital. The guides will impart their knowledge of the town and all of its secrets to you as you walk. There is no need to book, just turn up at the Guernsey Information Center on the day ready to explore.
The Isle of Sark Triathlon
When: 22nd April.
Where: Sark.
Who: Open to all.
Sark is the perfect location for a fun off-road triathlon. Taking part promises stunning scenery and enthusiastic local support, and with no cars allowed on the roads, the course is completely safe. The 2023 race has once again been sponsored by Mr Hester’s Self Catering, and several other local Sark businesses. As well as a great day out, each competitor will receive a unique finisher's t-shirt as a memento to take home from this one-of-a-kind event.
Lihou Adventures with 1st Call Guernsey Tours
When: 23rd April, 19th May, 2nd July, 7th August, 15th October.
Where: L’Eree Headland car park and around Lihou Island.
Who: Open to all.
A 2-hour walking tour exploring the geography, history and people of the smallest Island in our archipelago, including an optional swim in the renowned Venus Pool and a hot drink and a slice of Guernsey Gache. Space is limited, so be sure to book soon to avoid disappointment.
GU36 - The Guernsey Ultra
When: 14th May.
Where: Around Guernsey, starting and ending in St Peter Port.
Who: Only suitable for experienced long distance runners.
The GU36 is a 36-mile race around Guernsey, perfect for those wanting to challenge themselves with an ultra distance. There will be multiple checkpoints along the route to allow runners to replenish their energy. This is a mixed terrain race, so competitors can expect everything from cliff paths to coastal routes and concrete.
Entries are full for this year’s race, but the waiting list on the GU36 website is available for those wanting to sign up. Those who sign up for the waiting list will find out if they have a place in the race a minimum of 10 weeks prior.
Specsavers Colour Fun Run 2023
When: 21st May.
Where: Around the Specsavers Grounds.
Who: Anyone.
Specsavers Colour Fun Run will raise money for three local charities, Grow LTD, Guernsey Blind Association and Guernsey Cancer Support, and will be held at the Specsavers headquarters in St Andrews. There will be two distances, a 5km route and a 1km route, and a warm-up and group colour throw before the run starts. The run is open to families and individuals of all ages and abilities. Ticket price includes a pack of coloured powder, an event T-shirt and a medal at the finish line. Food and refreshments will be available courtesy of Mim's Mobile Van and Kirsty's Ices.
The Saffery Rotary Walk
When: 10th June.
Where: Around Guernsey, starting and ending in St Peter Port.
Who: Open to all.
A challenging walk around Guernsey, this 39 mile route follows the coast from St Peter Port, along the south coast, towards the west and north of the Island and then back round to St Peter Port. You'll be treated to expansive vistas on the cliffs, cheering support through town and serene sea views on the west coast.
The Saffery Rotary Walk is one of the largest charity fundraising events on the Islands of Guernsey and, throughout the years, has supported dozens of worthy charities.
You can walk it solo, in a group, or as part of a relay team.
The Island Games
When: 8th - 14th July.
Where: Guernsey.
Who: Only open to those selected.
This year, Guernsey has the pleasure of hosting athletes from 24 member Islands across the globe in the biennial sporting event The International Natwest Island Games. The host nation can choose 12-14 sports from a list of 18, which includes everything from classic athletic, track and swimming events to indoor bowls and shooting. People from all over the world come to watch the athletes compete, and we hope you'll be able to join us.
The Fort Group GSA Herm 360
When: 12th August.
Where: Around Herm.
Who: Open to all.
Enjoy a stunning 6.5K swim or swim/walk around the Island of Herm this summer. Entries are limited, so make sure you sign up for your place soon.
Vazon Surf Triathlon
When: 20th August.
Where: Vazon Bay.
Who: Open to all.
The Vazon Surf Triathlon is an exciting three-discipline event happening this summer. The race includes a 5km run, a 750-metre sea swim and a 20km bike ride. Participants should note that Vazon is Guernsey’s best surfing beach, so some bigger waves could be expected during the sea swim.
The Alderney Regatta
When: 26th - 27th August.
Where: Alderney.
Who: Open to experienced sailors, spectators welcome.
The Alderney Sailing Club is excited to welcome all sailors for their annual weekend of great sailing, hospitality and fun.
The programme of events will be published closer to the time here.
The Butterfield Half Marathon
When: 17th September.
Where: Around Guernsey.
Who: Open to anyone aged 17+.
Challenge yourself to a 13.1-mile coastal route, starting at L’Eree in the South West of the Island, running along the seafront and finishing in St Peter Port. Visitors are welcome to sign up and experience this unique half-marathon route.
All competitors will receive a medal to keep as a memento of their achievement and the first 500 participants to sign up will receive a souvenir technical running t-shirt or vest.
25th December: The Polar Bear Swim
When: 25th December
Where: La Vallette Bathing Pools
Who: Open to all.
The Guernsey Swimming Club are holding the annual Polar Bear Swim on Christmas Day. This event is open to everyone of all ages and always proves to be a fantastic atmosphere, a great start to your Christmas morning.
Boxing Day Swim
When: 26th December
Where: Cobo Bay
Who: Open to all.
The best way to refresh after a day of celebrating, the Boxing Day swim is an annual event taking place at Cobo Bay. Join thousands of islanders who brave the cold and take a dip in the sea. Funds raised go towards the upkeep of local charity the Guernsey Cheshire Home, who aim to provide care and opportunity for people with serious physical disabilities.
The Guernsey Triathlon Club Duathlon Series
When: Multiple dates.
Where: Multiple courses across Guernsey.
Who: Open to all, with different races having varying levels of difficulty.
Run, swim and then run again with the Guernsey Triathlon Club's duathlon series. Perfect for those new to triathlons, or those wanting a more relaxed environment. Visitors are welcome to join this friendly group, all you have to do is sign up online. With multiple events being held throughout the year, the first of which are in March, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved.
The Guernsey Granite Man
When: TBC.
Where: Around Guernsey.
Who: Open to all.
The Guernsey Granite Man, the most southerly middle distance triathlon in the UK, is incredibly popular with locals and visitors alike, attracting an international crowd. A friendly club event, you'll be encouraged all the way by other participants and marshals. The swim section is one mile in the open sea water, followed by a 56-mile bike ride over tarmac, and finally a 13-mile (half marathon) run across the flat - the perfect way to end the race.
Entries for this year's event are not yet open, but keep an eye on this space or visit the Guernsey Triathlon Club website for more information.
Be sure to keep an eye on this space, as more sporting events will be added as they are announced.
