St Helena Festival of Running - July/August 2007

42K - 21K - 10K - 3K fun run - Jacobs Ladder Challenge

The Festival

The fourth St Helena Island Festival of Running will take place from 22 July to 13 August 2007. The uniqueness of the race, the scenic beauty of this sub-tropical island, the friendliness of the Saints (as the islanders call themselves) and the voyage aboard the world's last Royal Mail ship will make the festival an experience that you’ll never forget.

The week-long festival consist of three events, held on separate days: a 10K road race (with a 3 kilometre fun run/walk option for supporters), a full or half marathon, and the ascent of the famed Jacob's Ladder, a 699 step climb out of Jamestown.

The festival lays claim to the title of the most remote run in the world, due to the fact that Saint Helena island is one of the most remote inhabited islands in the world. There is no airport and the island's only regular link with mainland civilization is the RMS St Helena which can accommodate only 130 passengers aboard its well-appointed suites. This limits the number of runners which can participate and may well also make it the most exclusive running event.

Plan something really special for 2007 (grab this opportunity!)

If you’ve always dreamt of visiting St Helena, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. This unique running event gives a special focus to your travel (and training beforehand)? It seems as if every famous travel writer and world traveller has been there, yet it is normally one of the hardest-to-get to destinations. For the cost of an overseas air ticket (or less!), you get to spend 14 luxurious days aboard the well-appointed RMS, enjoying its food, facilities, social programme and especially its hospitable staff. 

You will need to remember to include the time spent aboard the RMS St Helena in your planning (seven nights there, eight nights spent on the island and seven nights for the return trip). A shorter/quicker trip is possible from Namibia where the RMS docks in Walvis Bay on its way to St Helena. Note, though, that the time onboard can be productive work time or holiday fun or both! 

A special discounted voyage fare is available to Festival of Running participants and their partner (mention the Festival when enquiring) - but you or your travelling partner need to participate in at least the 10K, 21K walk/run or the marathon run. Local accommodation varies in price and quality but can also be booked through the web or St Helena Lines. You may budget on a double room (B&B) from about twenty five (British) pounds/night upwards.

In the meanwhile, check out the rest of this web site as well as some of the links to more information on the island.

This event is NOT organised for profit (have you checked the entry fee?) The event was conceived by Keith Enzlin and championed by Carolyn Enzlin from St Helena Lines to promote St Helena island.  The Festival of Running was made possible through the generous support of Andrew Weir Shipping(SA)(Pty) Ltd who are the passenger agents for St. Helena Line Ltd. Contact Details: PO Box 484, Cape Town 8000. Tel: 021-4251165; Fax: 021-4217485; E-mail: sthelenaline@mweb.co.za