Liberation Group Fuels Guernsey Marathon Runners

Athletes at this year's Guernsey Marathon will be able to maintain their correct fluid levels thanks to support from Bucktrouts, part of the Liberation Group. The company will be providing 140 cases of Pennine Water at the fluid stations to make sure all competitors can take on the liquids they need. When they cross the line the runners will receive a bottle of energy booster Gatorade.

Every marathon runner is individual and has a different fluid requirement during a race, based on factors such as gender, weight and sweat rate. Marathon experts advise that sports drinks in particular are important for any athlete involved in 30 minutes or more exercise because the added carbohydrates and electrolytes speed absorption of fluids into the system and boost energy (Maharam, 2011).

Ensuring the correct amount of fluid is available to the competitors is the task of the marathon organizers and Liberation Group has undertaken to supply essential drinks for the event. There is scientific evidence that drinking too much during a marathon can lead to a potentially fatal condition called hyponatremia, which is caused by low sodium levels in the body as a result of taking in too much water. The opposite is dehydration which can also have serious effects so it’s up to the runners themselves to know how much they need. The rule of thumb is to "drink to thirst" because it's a good indicator of when the body needs fluids.

At the Guernsey marathon there will be fluid stations every 5K to give the competitors every opportunity to rehydrate when they need.

David Robilliard, Managing Director of Bucktrouts said: "The Guernsey Marathon is a significant event on the Island's athletics calendar and it attracts entrants from all over the world. It's important to make sure it is as successful as possible and we are pleased to offer our support to the Marathon Club of Guernsey who do a superb job on behalf of the Island in staging this event."

Marathon Director Peter Head says "The Guernsey Marathon is a very popular event not only with local runners but for elite entrants. We have competitors coming from as far afield as America and Taiwan and they expect a high level of organisation and facilities so it’s important to have this kind of support. We’re grateful to all of our sponsors who help make the event as successful as it is."

The Guernsey Marathon takes place on Sunday 28th August, starting and finishing at Footes Lane. The conditions promise to be fair for the event and organizers are expecting the course record of two hours 41 minutes to fall.

Races are also held for relay teams of either two or five runners.