DOZENS of local professionals will swap ties for trainers the week after next when they take part in the annual Town Relay. The Collins Stewart Town Relay on 26 July starts and finishes outside the company’s main office, Hirzel House, at the top of Smith Street.

Last year, a record almost 50 teams of four entered the event which is again part of the Town Carnival celebrations.

As in past years, there will be a variety of categories, including men’s, women’s and mixed, with four members to a team.

Guernsey Island Amateur Athletics Association president Rob Batiste said the event will raise money to assist sending their team to Rhodes for the 2007 NatWest Island Games.

‘Last year we had 48 teams taking part and we hope to top that this year,’ he said.

‘The course is just a mile long so just about anyone can have a go and we really want the sports clubs and finance houses to show us the same kind of support they gave us last year.

‘Last year, the atmosphere at the start and finish point at the top of Smith Street was brilliant.

‘It was, on a much smaller scale, akin to a Tour de France mountain stage with people packed either side of the road and creating a great feeling at the changeover point.

‘The finishing point with its long stretch up Smith Street also makes for a great vantage point.

‘It’s a great event and ideal for offices to get involved in. It’s not quite a mile and there is a really wide standard of competitor.’

Collins Stewart will be fielding four teams, with staff also volunteering to greet all the runners with a welcome drink when they return.

n Entry forms are available from the office at the Garenne Stand or the Collins Stewart office in Smith Street and the closing date is 20 July.