M - Marathon

The village marathon is run each year in the spring time and is one of the main events in the village calendar. The event began in 1988 when the local Scout leader, Mr Reginald Flight decided to complete a sponsored run to help raise funds to mend the leaking Scout Hut roof. The total distance of the course is a gruelling 26 yards, all of it up hill, starting from village pond and finishing at the bar of the Ball and Bone Public House.  Mr Flight trained for over a week before attempting the course, and sponsorship amounting to £7.31 had been collected.

Crowds gathered at the starting line to see the amazing physical endurance of Mr Flight, who at 10am sharp appeared at the top of the hill brandishing the sponsorship money. He shouted “You fools! I’m off to the Coasta Blanca!” and made a run for it. The outraged crowd followed in pursuit, but got as far as the Ball and Bone before deciding that a drink was in order to get over the shock.  

The marathon became and annual event from that day on with as many as two dozen AIBOs completing the course each year.