Member Article

Kick-start 2015 with Port of Dover Race Festival

Thinking of your New Year’s resolutions and ways of getting fit after Christmas? Europe’s busiest ferry port is challenging runners and those looking for fun to come to Dover’s award-winning esplanade and Prince of Wales Pier for next year’s Port of Dover Race Festival 2015, taking place on 27-29 March. The Port of Dover is encouraging novice and experienced runners to sign up to run in aid of The Brathay Trust charity for its second multi-race event.

The Port of Dover Race Festival weekend is only three months away but there is still time for entrants to train in time for the big day. The event will kick off with the Kids Mile on Friday at 4.00pm followed by a 9.00am start on Saturday for the first Marathon and a 2.30pm start for the Half Marathon. Sunday will bring a close to the weekend’s activities, with the second Marathon starting at 9.00am followed by the 10k Race at 2.30pm.

Set against the iconic back-drop of the country’s famous White Cliffs and magnificent Dover Castle, the event will comprise multi-looped courses from the eastern end of the seafront along to the west and to the end of the Prince of Wales Pier. Offering runners views of a busy harbour and beach, the 2015 course will also be the last time that runners will be able to race along the Pier in its current form ahead of changes planned under Dover Western Docks Revival.

“We’d love to have entries from people at all levels of experience or who are members of their local running club,” says event organiser and Port of Dover staff member, Karen Webber. “We have fantastic bespoke medals for all participants that were designed by our team to reflect Dover’s maritime connection and its link to the Port.”

Tim Waggott, Chief Executive for the Port of Dover said: “We are delighted to host this second Port of Dover Race Festival. The participation in the first event in 2014 exceeded our expectations and provided great fun for the community. Such events give us an opportunity to attract people from all over UK and showcase Dover and its hospitality. It is also a fantastic way or fundraising for a very worthy cause – improving the life chances of children and young people. I would like to encourage people to either enter the races or come and support the runners on the day.”

All of the races are inclusive, whether entrants are experienced, multi-racers or novice runners. The multi-lap nature of the course makes for a friendly atmosphere for both the runners and the supporters. The promenade and beach will remain open to the public who wish to watch the races or go for a weekend stroll. So come along and cheer them on!

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