THE return of the Guernsey marathon last year has been good news for sport-related businesses in the island.

This year’s Sportingbet race again takes place at the end of August and already local companies are reporting a healthy uptake in running and running-related products.

Paul Lawrence, assistant manager at Intersport, said that he and his team had noticed an increase in sales of running gear as more and more people took up the sport.

Kings Life health and fitness director Ian Potter (pictured) said his team of trainers had noticed a big increase in the number of members who were focusing their training towards the marathon, as well as increased the use of the treadmills as an alternative, or in addition to, outdoor training.

Beau Sejour health and fitness manager Gail King said she was also finding the centre to be getting regular enquiries about training for marathons.

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