New English Marathon Needs Skaters

Event News > Blenheim Inline Challenge

Skaters Needed for New English Half Marathon
Event will be on the grounds of Churchill's country mansion
By Planet staff

The new Blenheim Inline Challenge has one of the most splendid setting of any skate event in the world — the grounds of the monumental Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire, England.

The 300-year-old mansion, 70 miles west of London, was the birthplace of Winston Churchill and is the home of the current Duke of Marlborough.

The event (May 20) is a half marathon that will make three loops around Queen Pool, each time crossing Vanbrugh's Grand Bridge over the River Glyme.

The half marathon is being held as part of the second annual Blenheim Triathlon. But it's only a trial event, which will only return next year if enough skaters show up to make the organizers happy, said UK speed skater Jon Morrison.

"For us to have the race back next year, we need to have at least 150 skaters," he said.

That could prove a problem. England has lots of young speed skaters, but fewer adults, Morrison said. And to enter the Blenheim race, skaters must be at least 15 years old.

Morrison is hoping for a little assist from overseas. "Maybe some people from the USA would like to come and bump up the numbers," he said. "Then, one day, this could be a World Inline Cup event!"