The Isle of Wight’s own Ryde Harriers announces the 2009 Marathon

The Ryde Harriers based on the Isle of Wight announces the 2009 Marathon, now being run in October! It is an old event with a great deal of history. Established in 1957, the marathon is the longest running organised marathon in the United Kingdom. It is an exciting event in the sport life of all those people interested and taking part as well as for the spectators. The marathon has its devoted runners,  every year they return to it and enjoy the Islands roads. One of the oldest athletics clubs in the UK being Ryde Harriers,  has been organizing club events and runs since 1886.

Photo source: Ryde Harriers Photo Album

On 4th of October, 2009 all trained runners are welcomed to take part, this is a not an event for runners who have no experience or who have not be trained to run this kind of distance. It all kicks off on the Sunday morning  with a 11.00 am  start on the south side of Ryde Boating Lake after registration in Ryde Rowing Club.

The UK Athletics rules the for a marathon dictate it has to be 26 miles 385 yards long. The route of the marathon consists of one anti clockwise circular route of the Island and includes Ryde, Binstead, Wootton, Newport, Arreton, Sandown, Brading and back to Ryde.

Photo source: Ryde Harriers Photo Album

On each mile point the runner will see indicators of the distance covered. During the competition the competitors get rather thirsty and thus break points and water stops are frequent along the route.

If you wish, you can ask for own drink supplies to be placed at various stages but there is a need to register this requirement beforehand.  Of course, some runners are very used to running these type of marathons and thus it becomes second nature, however the Islands route is covered in many hill climbs so is regarded as one of the toughest in the UK.. Though some people really do like and enjoy it, but for the new runners it might be another issue. So, you have to be prepared for some special conditions during your running, preparation preparation preperation as the trainers say.  All finalists are awarded a runners medal at the end of the competition.

Photo source: Ryde Harriers Photo Album

So, everybody is welcomed to take part in this stimulating Running Marathon Race. It is a really splendid spectacle to witness as the runners go past , make sure to clap and cheer them on.

If you are a driver, please be must be more attentive and careful while driving your car as there are people running are tired and can easily make a mistake.

Of course, there is a great desire to win the Marathon but have time to appreciate all that take part for whatever reason they are running. It gives a sense of satisfaction and completion, but I can tell that the process is also exciting and exhausting. So damn the torpedoes full speed ahead  and join in if you dare, open up your hidden capabilities and have fun.

Ventnor is my Favourite Town

I want to start my story with one of my most favorite my emotional experiences whilst on holiday. I have been to the Isle of Wight and I liked the island very much. It is a green and covered in super flora and fauna and is nice and tranquil and one of the best places in Europe where my soul and mind can rest for a while from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. But the town I lied most of all was that of Ventnor.

photo source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ronsaunders47/

If you are going to visit the IOW, do drop into Ventnor. It`s a lovely seaside resort with a long tradition, perfect for a family holiday as it has a real Mediterranean feel to it and is one of the hidden wonders of the island. It is situated right on the south coast tip of eh Island looking out over the English Channel towards France. Built in part upon the inclined cliffs, it nestles in the shelter of steep sided hills and falls steeply towards the sea offering some magnificent views from the many viewing points one can stop at. This town is very nice because of its mild climate and therapeutic sea air. Just a minute or two from the town centre you feel this splendid atmosphere of sheltered tropical weather as Ventnor often receives the highest amount of sunny days for the whole of England.

photo source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/9183244@N03/

Historically speaking, Ventnor began its life as just a small fishing rural community. Often associated with smuggling and the odd costal ship wreck due to the notorious Ventnor ledge, which used to catch unfamiliar sea captains unaware and cause catastrophic damage to their ships. In 1866 the Isle of Wright Railway was constructed and this date initiated fabulous growth with the community, the town prospered, flourishing with growth all over Ventnor. Due to the type of warm weather, Ventnor became a therapeutic centre with the UK`s largest sanatorium for TB, which at the time was untreatable and deadly. Nearby Bonchurch became the haunt of a number of famous writers, including Charles Dickens.

He stayed in this village for a while very close to the Old Bonchurch Church, which has a really quaint plaque saying “Refurbished in 1086″ outside on the wall. This small village is almost unchanged, with its village pond and pretty cottages can be reached by a pleasant and easy stroll along the sea wall from the harbour.

Ventnor Botanical Gardens is one of the most famous attractions just outside the town.

photo source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/grahsking/

It is very beautiful and has a tremendous variety of flora and fauna on display, the local microclimate of Ventnor allows for many tropical and sub tropical plants of all kinds to grow, making for really fantastic experience as you walk through the many styles of gardens on display. Here you can find gorgeous plants from Japan, New Zealand and Australia. All through the village is the perfect place for growing many a rare flower or plant.

The temperature and humidity sees many flourishing tropical flowers just growing wild in many of the cottage gardens. However, around about in this area you can observe many features created by the landslip, as the surrounding hills are vulnerable to slippages due to their makeup and the steep hillsides they cling to. This geological aspect is called Graben. Due to this factor several houses have moving over the centuries as well as underground pipes and cables of supplies being destroyed as the movement occurs.

All in all Ventnor still remains one of the popular destinations to vacation to, Its sandy beach is great for relaxation; a walk along the coast path takes you to the famous 22 acre Botanic Gardens, Steephill Cove- one of the island`s hidden gems, do try and go there, take a camera it`s just fantastic. Ventnor town has several supermarkets and a good mix of shops, pubs, cafes and restaurant, together with a great choice of accommodation and fine dining. Ventnor is considering one of the main IOW attractions. Isle of Wight Hotels with open doors all year round.

Cross The Solent And Visit Shanklin

Have you ever been to the Isle of Wight? This splendid Island of natural beauty is situated off the south coast of the United Kingdom and is one of the largest islands of the British Isles being twenty miles wide by eleven miles. If you are on the Island and transverse to the south-east of the IOW, you come across the nice old village of Shanklin. Shanklin`s unique charm attracts visitors year after year.

This old village is famous for its lovely thatched cottages restaurants, and pubs as well as many tourist shops selling trinkets and Island novelties of all kinds. What does the name of this village mean? The word Shanklin is of Saxon origin which means a deep and narrow valley. It has a long, sandy beach which is great for sunbathing, and one of its attractions is its fine gardens, including the extra special Shanklin Chine, this is a beautiful ravine down to the sea, filled with rare plants and a wonderful waterfall as well as a lot of interesting flora and fauna.

The pretty Rylstone Gardens also provides another super option, particularly on long, hot summer days.

You can walk around the Visitor’s Centre where you can find some super information on heritage of the IOW. You can also visit the memorial to the Royal Marine Commandoes and take a nice cup of tea in the Tea Rooms or a stroll around the gift shop. If you are curious to visit something extraordinary, take time out to examine the tiny holes in the facade of the cliff face as you walk around and down to the sea shore. You will be very much surprised to know that these holes are the homes of wasps. So, be careful not to get bitten by them. Shanklin`s long esplanade is served by road trains that take you back up to your hotel, from the play arenas, and places to eat and drink which are found along the promenade.

The town itself has a good choice of restaurant, cafes and pubs, and is also home to an annual regatta and excellent carnival processions. Many Ice cream parlors are on hand, and in the heat of the summer afternoon Shanklin is the perfect place to pass the time. All in all with its old village, range of curio shops and the sun drenched beaches Shanklin is a dream place to vacation. In the evening, kick of the shoes and watch the sunset from the Steamer Inn. Welcome to a magical world of natural beauty found in and around Shanklin.

Suitable accommodation on the Isle of Wight for one person, a couple or a whole family can be found on many of the online Island portals, providing you with the all necessary information about the IOW Tourism, IOW Attractions etc.

Photos source:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/iow_sparky/

Sports And Fun of The Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wight even if I say so myslef is a splendid place for fun and adventure. I personally find the Isle of Wight is a wonderful place where the sun admirers have an opportunity to enjoy warm days, golden beaches and the lazy hazy days of summer. On top of this it is really a fantastic and one may say one of the best places for water sports like yachtsman, kite surfers, wind surfers, canoeist, powerboats, rowing to name but a few, all summer the water worshipers are having super fun enjoying their particular interest.

For example at the end of August a fairly new event that has taken place over the past few years adorns our islands air sea and waterways yet again, The White Air Festival. It has now become the leading and biggest sporting event of its type in Europe. Within its framework you can enjoy a fabulous variety of sports you can examine in detail what makes these tick and how you can get involved, The whole thing is organized in a very hands on way so that the visitor where possible and try for themselves and see if they are keen to enjoy these activities. Try for example; mountain boarders, surf kayakers, gravity racers, Jet Ski or any others are just s sample of what is on offer. It is a portion of simple amusement and up to a kick of excitement for an adrenalin rush for those risky enthusiasts. Do not hesitate to endeavor to try these thrilling kinds of sports, you just don`t know until you ry. If you think that it is an opportunity only for young or risky people, you are absolutely wrong. Any person at any age or from any social group or with even with physical disabilities can compete and have a go. It is all about having fun and enjoy sports and at the same time minimizing the risks!

After all this excitement you may wish to have a break and rest for a while, you can of course listen to some of the live artists and bands all around the arena , or why not just have a drink and a rest at a bar under a comfortable tented area. I am sure that after feeling dully satisfied and happy you up again plunging again into the atmosphere of fiesta and celebration they call The White Air Festival. Also you may well be interested in mountains the brave mountain boarders skilled in high jumps; you can see them test their strength in extremely high, vertical and sharp steep mountains` slopes. Whether water or land sports, you can have fun at any of these sporting activities. Choose whatever you want and don`t worry if you think you will be missing something as they are going on simultaneously so plenty of time to try all. Entertain yourself in an impressive and thrilling style! Commentators will help and keep the competitors and visitors fully amused throughout the event.

If you do not go in for any sport now but you have a desire to do it and try it out then you will be welcomed with open arms. There are programmers for beginners and experts alike. Sometimes it is important to try the strange and daredevil things in life. Do not be afraid as you will find the way out of any situation as you are being carefully guided throughout. In addition, these missions will often make you stronger; give you a piece of enduring knowledge and may be a new skill set. So, if you are up for a bit of excitement I will see you at The White Air Festival.

If you are interested to find a suitable Isle of Wight accommodation, you are free to do it via many internet portals. IOW Tourism welcomes you and is ready to offer a wide range of water and mountain sports.