The founders and organisers of the borough’s Ealing Half Marathon are now inviting people to join its latest challenge an ultra-marathon dubbed – The Queen of the Suburbs Ultra.
Taking place on 23 March 2024, the event will see participants running, jogging or walking on trails, blueways, greenways, pavements and paths in and around Ealing.
The Ultra 50k is a single loop along the footpaths, tow paths, trails and parks of Ealing while the Trail allows participants to walk, run or jog a single-lap 25k route through Ealing.
The organisers of the ultra-marathon are EHM Legacy, founders of the Ealing Half Marathon.
Rachel Job, director of EHM Legacy said: “We aim to surprise even the most intrepid local that we’ll take them down a path or trail they didn’t know about. Walking and a mixture of running and walking is also encouraged too. It’s less of a race, and more an amble right around the borough.”
Tom Kerry, chair of EHM Legacy said: “We wondered if we could create a challenge that brought all of these great parks and green spaces together, and off tarmac and away from roads as much as possible. Something that showcases the whole borough and brings together the community. With the opening of the Elizabeth line, access to the borough became even easier, and it seemed to be the perfect time.”
He added: “Ultra marathons don’t tend to happen in city centres and we have a perfect blend of city and country here. The borough lends itself to getting around on foot.”
Councillor Polly Knewstub, Ealing Council’s cabinet member for thriving communities said: “The Ealing Half Marathon is a well established fixture in the local calendar and it is great to see more ways to encourage participation in outdoor exercise.”
She added: “Whether walking, jogging, running, or a combination of all 3, it is so good for our physical and mental health. We have so many lovely green, open spaces in our borough and it’s a fantastic idea to connect the dots and showcase what we have on our doorstep while getting people active and socialising in the fresh air.”