The scenic but challenging Imber Ultra Marathon is returning for its 11th edition on Sunday, March 2nd, promising an unforgettable day for both participants and spectators.
This year’s race will kick off at 9am from the Leighton Recreation Centre in Westbury, with the last determined runners expected to cross the finish line by 4pm.
“We have an internationally acclaimed runner to start the race and award the prizes to the successful runners – Fiona Price who has represented England and Great Britain in international competitions including European and World Championships,” said Jon Street, from Westbury Rotary Club which organises the annual challenge along with Avon Valley Runners (AVR).
“The marathon is a gruelling 33-mile race which starts at the Leighton Recreation Centre in Westbury and follows a circular route, anticlockwise this year, around the MOD’s Salisbury Plain Training Area. The route goes past Warminster, Chitterne, Tilshead and then follows the northern range road back into Westbury.
“The race is dependent on volunteers from Rotary and AVR manning checkpoints along the route, coordinating car parking, providing refreshments to the runners along the route, supplying goody bags for the runners and covering many other admin jobs on the day. The Leighton Recreation Centre opens its doors while the cricket club also provides some refreshment after the race, with the St John Ambulance providing first aid cover.
“The Rotary Club are asking for volunteers to give of their time to aid in the smooth running of the event. Main tasks would be manning checkpoints along the route and generally helping out on the day. There are briefings before the event for all organisers/helpers where final tasks and responsibilities are assigned. It is a fun day with lots of interaction with the runners and the Rotary Club. The runners need a lot of encouragement towards the latter stages of the race which is usually given by the marshals and the runners friends/relatives.”
If anyone feels that they could give a few hours, or the whole day, to assist in this event then they can contact one of the Rotary event organisers, David Pike or Jon Street by email; davidjohnpike@aol.com or jonathanstreet@hotmail.co.uk or contact Rotary via their website; just search for Rotary Club of Westbury and use our contact form.
