Brand new for 2017 is the Isle of Wight Festival of Running. This fantastic new outdoor event gives fitness fanatics and first time runners the chance to see the best of the Isle of Wight’s beautiful scenery and getting fit at the same time.

With runs tailored for those just starting out to something a bit more challenging for the all-weather pros, the event has been set up as something the whole family can get involved in!

The FESTIVAL VILLAGE will be open throughout the weekend with entertainment and activities for the whole family including live music, ‘Beat the Marine’ assault course, indoor and outdoor climbing walls, planetarium, pump action bikes and more.

The event is hosted by the extremely popular West Wight Sports and Community Centre. For more details and updates as they’re released, please check their official website or Facebook page. For a schedule of the weekend’s events, take a look at the list below.

5k and 10k runs – (that’s roughly 3 miles and 6 miles)

The 5k and 10k routes have been set up especially for runners who’d like a jog through the stunning scenery over in the West Wight. Starting at the Sports Centre, these races will take you through the twists and turns of the footpaths through the stunning Freshwater Countryside

All runners must be over 15 years old.

Classic Film screening

If you’d rather relax and put your feet up, head over to the Community Centre, sit back and get in the running mood with a screening of the classic film, Chariots of Fire.

Needles Junior Fun Run

Bring your little ones along to the Needles Junior Fun Run! Last year the sports centre held a Junior Run and over 200 runners took part, dressed up in a fabulous array of costumes from pirates to princesses! Even if your child is not destined to be the next Mo Farah they won’t feel left out, as every young runner takes home and medal and certificate.

This year the Festival of Running will also be introducing a 2 lap course for older children.

Needles XC Half Marathon

Time to get those legs working! The Needles XC Half Marathon is one of the toughest in the country, but don’t worry – you’ll be rewarded with some of the most breath-taking views to dull the pain! This testing 13.1 mile course leads runners over downs, along chalky cliffs and past historic Isle of Wight Monuments. As you reach the very western tip of the Island don’t forget to look out for our most iconic landmark – The Needles rock formation and lighthouse.

Needles XC Marathon

Are you brave enough to take on the Needles XC Marathon?! This challenging course is full of steep hills and drops to push every runner to his or her limit. The first half of the race follows the same course as the Needles XC Half Marathon, but then branches off to take on the dramatic Tennyson Trail. It’s a course only to be attempted by the keenest of runners!

Spyvelo Long Weekend

This year West Wight Sports Centre have teamed up with SpyVelo and GP Sports to bring a half Iron Man distance triathlon style event to the Isle of Wight. The race will take place across all three days of the Festival of Running and will include a 1.9km swim in open water, a 90km cycle and the Needles XC Half Marathon. Participants can enter as an individual or as part of a team.

For updates and more information, click here to visit the SpyVelo Long Weekend page on Facebook.

If you have any queries relating to the races above or the Festival of Running in general, please click here to email West Wight Sports and Community Centre Events team.

To find out more about the Festival of Running, visit the official event website by clicking here or visit their Facebook page by clicking here.