Shropshire Star

Keeping up with the Joneses

It really be a case of keeping up with the Joneses at a half marathon next month.

Published

An appeal has gone out to people called Jones living in Shropshire and mid Wales to join the largest collection of runners with that name, just before the start of the Anglesey Half Marathon.

The popular event is sponsored by Jones Crisps, which says it is hopeful of the record.

Already more than 800 athletes have signed up for the event on March 4 - with almost 10 per cent of them called Jones.

Up to 2,500 runners to take part in the three races on the day: the half marathon, Ynys Mȏn 10k run and one-mile children’s race.

The aim is to set a world record, by getting as many Joneses g on the start line at Menai Bridge.

Geraint Hughes from Jones Crisps said: “It struck me at last year’s Anglesey Half Marathon just how many runners with the surname Jones took part in the event.

“There’s already been a lot of Jones signing up for the 2018 race so we thought it would be excellent to see if we can break a world record. As far as we can tell, there has never been an attempt at a world record for a gathering of runners called Jones.

“The main race starts at 9am and we will be gathering people together just before then. Once the race starts it really will be a case of keeping up with the Joneses.

The 13-mile race starts on the world famous Menai Suspension Bridge, then follows the coast road to Beaumaris Castle and back, with thousands of supporters expected to line the route.

The junior runners, split into four age categories, have a one-mile dash over the bridge and through the town ending at the main race’s chequered flag.

All the adults across the finish line for the half marathon and 10k run will be handed a packet of Jones Crisps, to help them replenish their carbohydrate and salt levels after their exertions.

Always Aim High director Tim Lloyd said: “Since we launched the event in 2013 it has been a great boost for Anglesey tourism, with a large number of people staying overnight - the growing number taking part shows that it really is on the map for serious runners.

"We always have a good entry from people from Shropshire and the borders."

“The course is over closed roads, so it’s suitable for runners of all abilities, and through some spectacular scenery, and the feedback from runners is that it’s always a lovely event to take in.

“Many of the runners are doing it to raise funds for charities close to their hearts, with thousands of pounds collected since the first half marathon in 2013."

Any runners called Jones wanting to help create a new world record and everybody else wanting to register should go to: http://alwaysaimhighevents.com/anglesey-half-marathon/jones-crisps-anglesey-half-marathon-2018