85 runners took part in Herm’s recent 31st annual race in appropriately-cool conditions

THE 31st annual Herm Run took place on a cool, overcast day, with 85 runners completing the route – many beating their own previous records.

It was the biggest turnout there has ever been for the race, which weaves from the harbour to Rosaire, around the cliff paths, past the beaches to the common, and back along the front to where it began.

The winner was 15-year-old George Mason, who finished in a time of 17 minutes and 34 seconds. It was his third time taking part in the run. In 2009, he won in 17.59 and last year he came second in 17.50.

George’s brother, Edward, 12, won the Under-16 Boy award and came fourth overall with a time of 18 minutes and 54 seconds.

Not to be outdone, younger sister Eliza, nine, won the Under-12 Girl award for the third time, finishing in 23.19.

Under-16 Girl was Charlotte Coutanche and Under-12 Boy was Alex Tapp.

The fastest male resident was Mat Nicholls, who won the trophy for the first time. For the past two years, he has come second in this category. He was third overall, finishing in 18 minutes and 32 seconds, which is his personal best.

Fastest female resident was Lesley Bailey in 23.59. Lesley has won this award many times and is the person who co-ordinates the event every year.

The race raises money for the St John Ambulance boat, Flying Christine.

You may have read in the Press about Herm teenager Richard Bailey.

Seventeen-year-old Richard was one of the group of youngsters taking part in the BSES Arctic trip to Svalbard, Norway, where one of the party was killed by a polar bear and other members of the group seriously injured.

Richard’s parents, Lesley and Andrew, and siblings Jonathan and Kathryn were looking forward to his safe return to the Bailiwick this week.

The 80 youngsters had been split into groups called fires and were camping in different locations.

‘It wasn’t Richard’s fire that was involved,’ said Lesley. ‘But all fires were out on the ice and away from base camp.’

Although it is a disappointing end to the adventure for Richard after months of fund-raising, everyone in Herm is just relieved that he was unharmed.

‘The islanders have been very supportive,’ said Lesley. ‘It’s at times like this that the community pulls together.’