Views for miles of the stunning North Devon AONB Marathon
The struggle to complete a marathon or half marathon is real. Luckily, one local summer event will at least give you a handy distraction while your legs rack up the miles.
The views on offer for the North Devon AONB Marathon and Half Marathon are described by organizers as ‘unbeatable’. And if that’s not enough motivation, runners know that every step they take will help the local people cared for by North Devon Hospice.
The event takes place in Woolacombe on Sunday 25 June and is named after the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) that the route winds through. Spectacular cliff tops, beaches, coastal trails and countryside await runners – unlike any other event of its kind.
All proceeds go to North Devon Hospice, which provides vital care and support to local people affected by life-limiting illnesses such as cancer.
Race Director Simon Oliver said: “We lovingly call the North Devon AONB Marathon ‘Beauty and the Beast’. It is, without a doubt, the most amazing route you can imagine, which is why runners from all over the country and more distant countries descend on it every year. But they are also attracted by the difficulty of the course. There are testing hills and terrain that you won’t find anywhere else, making it one of the most challenging running events ever. Completing a full or half marathon distance is a real badge of honor and stands alone from other races that people have completed.”
The North Devon AONB Marathon is sponsored by Woolacombe Bay Holiday Parks who are long-time supporters of the event and North Devon Hospice.
Everyone who signs up to participate will make a real difference. Hospice Events Manager, Lisa Mackenzie, said: “We are really grateful to Woolacombe Bay Holiday Parks for supporting the event as it helps us make it a fantastic experience for everyone who takes part. It also means that every pound raised by runners will go exactly where it is needed, to care for patients and families in their time of need. North Devon Hospice is a light in the darkness for so many families and we want to be with them every step of the way as they face an illness like cancer. This is only possible because of local people who rise to the challenge in times like these.”
As you would imagine for a race participating in the AONB, environmental protection comes first.
Lisa added: “We are very proud to be a one-off plastic-free event and work with local groups such as the AONB, National Trust and Plastic-Free North Devon to look after the amazing countryside we are lucky enough to have we can use par for the course.”
The route starts and ends in Woolacombe overlooking the world famous surfing beach. It then takes runners on a tough but beautiful route including Baggy Point, Croyde Beach, Saunton, Morte Point and Lee Bay.
The uniqueness of the course means that the event has sold out every year since its inception in 2009. Runners are therefore advised to register now to avoid disappointment.
Register now at northdevonmarathon.co.uk.
