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Human Race Festival Of Sport A Big Hit

by Henry Peacock

The Human Race Festival of Sport 2012 came to a close on Sunday at St Michael’s Mount, Marazion, West Cornwall, having delivered a fantastic three days of sporting events and entertainment for over 3,000 visitors.

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150km Sportive Proved Popular

The festival was a celebration of sport based around four core disciplines; cycling, running, open water swimming and triathlon, with the aim of encouraging participants to fulfill personal challenges and swap tips with the professional athletes in attendance.After Saturday’s competitive events, which included the Open Water Swims around the Mount, Cycle West Sportives and Beach Runs, Sunday saw the triathletes take to the stage. Sprint, Olympic and Half-Iron distances were completed by over 500 athletes along-side the hotly contested Footy Anstey Corporate Relay Challenge, which was a team challenge, with one person swimming, one cycling and one running.

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Helen Glover Started The Fun Run

Also on the programme were sporting activities of a more relaxed nature such as Touch Rugby, Beach Volleyball and Gig Rowing – a traditional Cornish sport. The many children in attendance were well entertained throughout the weekend, with many of them sporting elaborate face painting designs whilst participating in the very popular Children’s Zumba and Fun Runs started by Helen Glover, Cornwall’s Olympic Gold Medalist.

The Festival was blessed with ideal racing conditions, beautiful clear skies and calm sea conditions provided first timers – or those going for a time – with an opportunity to relax into their events without having to worry about rain, strong winds or waves. There was a full mix of abilities and experience amongst the athlete’s with large group of friends and families all competing in various disciplines throughout the weekend.

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The Most Scenic Parts Of Cornwall Were On Display

With such a variety of activities on offer it is difficult to choose a highlight, but the Beach Runs were truly an impressive sight to behold, reminiscent of Chariots of Fire. The crowds of supporters in and around the Human Race Festival of Sport Hub made it an electric atmosphere, but it was the presence of Olympic gold medal- winning rower Helen Glover that got the biggest cheer.

Speaking after setting off the 5km and 10km Beach Runs, Glover said: “The Olympic and Paralympic Games have been such a celebration of sport in the UK and it’s been wonderful to see that energy continuing down here at The Festival of Sport. The range of activities on offer is really impressive and it’s great to see so many peoplegetting active here on the Cornish coastline where I have lived and trained for many years.”Other famous faces taking part in the weekend’s events were ex-Arsenal and England defender, Lee Dixon, who took on the 150km bike ride.

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Lee Dixon Took Part

Dixon spoke fondly of the event: “It was a fantastic route; I’ve cycled in Cornwall quite a lot, but that route took in pretty much every climb in Cornwall. It was great fun and I have to say a superbly organized event.”

As the sun went down on the Friday and Saturday evenings, the focus turned from sport to music as participants were treated to live entertainment on the Pirate FM stage. Local Cornish bands really raised the roof on Friday evening and then the crowds poured in on Saturday night as British rock band, Reef, led the way among several excellent acts to provide festival-goers with a fantastic night out.

To help participants with their post event celebration Jamie Oliver’s Fabulous Feasts were on hand, all washed down with superior beers and real ales from St. Austell Brewery within the Human Race Festival of Sport Hub.Human Race, the event’s organiser gave their thanks to Visit Cornwall, St Aubyn Estates, and Cornwall Council for their help in making the Human Race Festival of Sport such a success.

For more information about the Human Race Festival of Sport, please visit:http://www.festivalofsport.net