Coasting The East Coast

2 JUL2010

Britain's Coastal Relay, Coasters GB, got underway from Blackpool on May 9, travelling north towards Scotland. Two months later and Barry the Baton is approaching the border, having travelled 1650 miles from Blackpool to Berwick. Around 250 runners have taken part in this unique relay event so far, with many more expected to help Barry on his way around the English and Welsh coast, back to Blackpool.

Barry is currently on his way down the eastern Scottish coast, heading towards Peterhead, where he will be taken down towards Aberdeen by the jogscotland group based in the north-east fishing town. He is expected to reach Berwick on July 11/12, with almost 3000 miles of his adventure to go.

CoastersGB was set up by Stu Prince, a runner who was inspired by Eddie Izzard's sport relief challenge and wanted to create a unique runner focused event, which could involve as many runners and running clubs in the UK as possible. So far, Barry has travelled with several running clubs, including Dumfries Running Club, Inverness Harriers, Nairn Road Runners, Forres Harriers and will meet Metro Aberdeen Running Club on Saturday.

Stu told northernrunningguide.com, "Coasters GB has been an incredible success so far, Barry has been in some very capable hands with so many running clubs and runners helping him in his adventure around the country. I'm sure he will win the hearts of the people in the north of England just as much as he has won the hearts of all who have carried him so far."

Barry is expected to arrive back in Blackpool in October this year.