The Isle of Wight, historically known as Vectis, is the largest English island at approximately 150 square miles, situated off the south coast of Hampshire in the English Channel. The coastal scenery is spectacular, and the island is remarkably hilly, making this a wonderful venue for challenging races.

Ryde Harriers have been organising top-quality events here since 1886 and have pretty much honed their programme by now! The Ryde Harriers Easter Series is a case in point, with two completely different races and a day off to explore the island's many attractions – the perfect family getaway over the Easter weekend.

First up is the Newport to Ryde 7 multi-terrain race on Saturday, 4th April 2026, starting at 3:00pm, giving runners time to travel and compete on the day if they wish. You will enjoy an undulating route that takes full advantage of old railway lines, open farmland, tree-lined woodland paths, and quiet country roads, with lovely views along the way.

The course is undulating throughout and runs via Barton, New Fairlee Farm, Belmont Woods, Wootton Station, Fernhill, Lakeside, Firestone Copse Road, Newnham Lane, Bartons Corner, and Dame Anthony’s Common. The finish is on the grounds of Ryde High School, Pell Lane, Ryde.

What about the logistics of a point-to-point seven-mile race, you may well ask? All taken care of by Ryde Harriers. Changing facilities are available at the start. Transport of runners' kit from the start in Newport to the finish at Ryde is provided. Last year, the winners were M40 Gary Marshall (Ryde Harriers, 43:11) and Camilla Gold (unattached, 60:14), with 132 finishing in 98 minutes.

After sampling the delights of the Isle of Wight on Easter Sunday, you will need an early night to prepare for the classic West Wight 3 Hills race on Easter Monday (6th April). The course is a bit of a beast, described by Ryde Hariers as: "An undulating/hilly, very scenic, single lap of eight miles (unofficially measured with an accurate metre wheel) with approximately 900 feet of ascent, taking in Golden Hill Fort, Freshwater, Headon Warren, Alum Bay, Highdown, Tennyson Down, Freshwater Bay, and back to the finish at Freshwater."

The defending champions from 2025 are the aforementioned Gary Marshall (49:44) and W45 Valeria Sesto (Lymington Athletes, 59:51) – the 15th and final finisher under an hour as 137 conquered the three hills in 1:41:42.

Enter the Newport to Ryde 7 direct via runABC South here.

Enter the West Wight 3 Hills race via runABC South here.

Photo of West Wight 3 Hills race 2025 by Andy Connellan for Ryde Harriers on Facebook