ONE hundred years after the first full Guernsey marathon and 17 years after its last, the island is to resurrect its own version of the classic 26.2-mile race.

It comes just a year after the formation of the Marathon Club of Guernsey, led by marathon stalwart Peter Head (pictured), who has targeted a total entry of more than 1,000, including those who will take part in the accompanying relay event.

The man who has run 34 marathons around the world over the past 20 years is delighted that his club has been able to confirm the staging of an accredited event on the August Bank Holiday weekend.

‘It’s fantastic, although it’s bloody hard work,’ said Head, who this time plans to watch others do the running while he handles the organisation.

‘I’m trying to get three-to-four hundred for the main marathon and at least 200 teams of five runners for the relay course.

‘But I’m hoping for even more than that.’

Head said that the 30 August race is scheduled to start and finish at a tented village at Foote’s Lane and will show Guernsey off at its scenic best. He has already run it and it has been measured by Digimap to the nearest two inches.

For more information log onto www.guernseymarathon.gg.