The Isle of Man Veteran Athletes Club (IOMVAC) will be hosting the Centurion 100 mile walk and the RWA National Long Distance Championship on the weekend of 19 and 20 August 2006. This is an annual event which is usually held in England and the IOMVAC were very pleased when it was announced we would be holding the event here this year.
The Centurion 100 mile walk is a competitive event and each competitor endeavours to complete the distance of 100 miles within 24 hours. All who complete the walk within the time limit will become a life time member of the Brotherhood of Centurions in the UK. The Brotherhood was founded in 1911 and to date we have just over 1000 members!
We anticipate this event will attract competitors from overseas as well as many local participants, at what is likely to become a sporting event that will receive media coverage in the UK and Europe, and we would like to invite you to share in our venture.
We believe that the Isle of Man is now making its name as a major force to be reckoned with in the world of race-walking. With the outstanding victory by local walker and member of our Veteran Athletes Club, Sean Hands, when he held off a very strong international field last year at Kings Lynn, and winning the National 100 mile Championship in impressive style. Sean was one of six Manx walkers who achieved Centurion status last year. This follows on the success of local athletes who not only became Centurions as individuals but also brought home the national team prize for their efforts in the Colchester 100 mile walk in 2004. This year we hope to attract a larger than ever field of local walkers to attempt the Centurion challenge and for our Champion to retain his title on home ground.
There will also be a 20 mile walking event, the Starlight Stroll, starting at 10pm on the Saturday evening. We believe this will give many people a chance to be part of the main event without having to walk 100 miles!
We hope you will come and join us in our festival of walking on 19 and 20 August 2006.