THE OLDEST and youngest competitors of the first-ever Bournemouth Marathon Festival met today at the official launch.

Fauja Singh, aged 101, passed on his best advice to eight-year-old, Katie Few, from Verwood, who will both be taking part in the races being held on October 5 and 6, 2013.

Routes for the six races which make up the Bournemouth Marathon Festival have now been released.

You can see them all at the event website but here is the marathon route:

Bournemouth Echo:

and the half marathon route:

Bournemouth Echo:

Both routes start in Kings Park before taking runners through Southbourne on the way to the seafront. See a wrriten description of the marathon route here: BMF route.doc

The event takes place over a weekend in October and includes junior races, a dusk "speed of light" 5k race and a music-fuelled "supersonic" 10k race.

Click each picture to see it full size and let us know what you think in the comments. 

Fauja Singh, from Ilford, London, retired from marathon running last year, and was reported to be hanging up his shoes after the 10k at the Hong Kong Marathon next month - but organisers have confirmed he will take part in the 5k Speed of Light race in Bournemouth.

His trainer, Harmander Singh, said: “His first marathon was the London Marathon in 2000.

"Fauja used to enjoy challenging other old age pensioners for a bet for charity and he kept winning. He also took part in 5k and 10k races just for Sikhs, as he is part of the Sikhs in the City running group, and it built up over time.

“He walks, jogs and runs every day. He just doesn't like sitting still.”

Katie Few is just at the beginning of her running career, having taken part in her first triathlon  aged seven.

She said: “I think running is fun. I have always done it. My dad helps me train. I want to be a professional triathlete one day.”

 

Neil Kilgour, Race Director, said: “The spectacular, natural running environment and fresh air of Bournemouth and Poole will by loved by runners who want 'running as it should be'. The Bournemouth Marathon Festival is a unique and exciting addition to the UK running calendar.”