Runners tackle half marathon in windy weather

Jack Silver,Channel Islandsand
Stuart Tolcher,Channel Islands
News imagePeter Frankland/Butterfield Hundreds of people set off on a half marathon, all dressed in running gear with numbers on their chests. Spectators watch with a small cove and World War Two concrete gun emplacement behind them,Peter Frankland/Butterfield
News imagePeter Frankland/Butterfield A woman in a peach top crosses the finish line moments before a man, with a steward watching on from his chair.Peter Frankland/Butterfield

More than 700 people took part in the 13.1 mile (21.1km) race
Women's runner up Ulrike Maisch, 48, was injured at the start of the year and did not expect to compete again until 2026

More than 700 runners completed the Guernsey half marathon on Sunday, despite strong winds.

The annual Butterfield Half Marathon started at L'Eree, in the south west of the island, and followed a 13.1 mile (21.1km) costal route to St Peter Port.

Men's winner Rick Weston said the weather was "a bit breezy, but not as bad as the forecast", adding: "You only really notice it when it's in your face."

Women's runner up Ulrike Maisch said she was expecting the weather to be "horrendous" but was "really happy" with her performance in the conditions.

The 48-year-old, who is a former EU marathon champion, was injured at the start of the year and was not expecting to be able to race until next year.

However, when she started running again in June "training picked up really quickly and I thought: 'Oh, let's just do it!'".

She said the race "started out a bit too fast" but decided to stay with a group of other runners to shield her from the wind.

"It was fine until 20 kilometres, so the last kilometre was a bit tough, but I'm really happy about the time, so yeah, all good."

Follow BBC Guernsey on X and Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to channel.islands@bbc.co.uk.