In excess of 465 runners took part in the 2024 New Year’s Day ¼ Marathon in Broadstone this year. Operated by YMCA Bournemouth & Poole, with Race Management by the local Poole Runners Club, this annual race attracted 17 local running clubs to be represented as well as plenty of non-Club runners. The winner ran the course, which is just over 6½ miles, in an astounding 34 mins and 18 seconds! The fastest lady completed the course in just over 40 minutes.
“It’s an event that can be entered and enjoyed by experienced and novice runners alike. A great start to the New Year…” – Martin Stockley (Senior YMCA Operations Manager)
Mr Geoff Scott, member of Poole Runners, has run every single Broadstone Quarter Marathon Race since the event was first started. This was his 38th time!
Poole Runners Race Director, Penny Jarvis, said: “We are delighted to be able to support The Junction Sports and Leisure Centre, managed and operated by YMCA Bournemouth & Poole, which is also the club’s headquarters where we meet each week for our social club runs.
“It takes a big team of people to hold the event safely.
“This year we had around 100 volunteers, mostly Poole Runners members, helping out in various roles ranging from handing out race numbers, marshalling road junctions, water station help and taking photos.
“We even had two members who swept the path along Gravel Hill on the day before the race after the storms had brought down leaves and debris!
“This annual race is popular with runners from across Dorset and visitors to the area over the holiday period.
“It’s great to know that the money raised will be supporting the youth and disabled of Broadstone in accessing, and enjoying, the quality sport facility which is The Junction.”