Racing the Tide: The 2026 Castle Chase Relay to Elizabeth Castle

By Alyssa | WhatsOn local events writer Alyssa picks out timely events, local favourites and useful places to eat, stay and explore.

Feel the damp sand under your running shoes, taste the salt in the crisp autumn air, and hear the starting klaxon echo across St Aubin's Bay. Imagine standing on a shoreline that, just hours ago, was completely submerged by the sea, looking out at a 16th-century fortress that you are about to run towards. The tide has pulled back, revealing a rugged, temporary causeway that stretches across the seabed. This isn't your standard Saturday park run; this is a dash across the ocean floor before the water returns.

The Castle Chase is arguably one of the most uniquely situated sporting events in the Channel Islands. It is the island's only lunchtime beach trail run, entirely dependent on Jersey's famously dramatic tidal range. As the waters retreat, competitors race from the shoreline at West Park straight out to Elizabeth Castle and back again. Raising vital funds for Jersey Heritage, this brilliant spectacle transforms a daily natural phenomenon into a thrilling community sprint, combining athletic endurance with the breathtaking backdrop of a historic coastal fortress.

Sprinting the Causeway

The atmosphere down on the bay is purely electric. Spectators line the sea wall along Victoria Avenue, clutching takeaway coffees as they lean over to catch the action. Down on the sand, the scene is a blur of brightly coloured charity vests, local running club kits, and the occasional novelty costume flapping in the coastal breeze.

As the race gets underway, the soft, dry sand of the upper beach quickly gives way to the wet, shell-strewn causeway. You can hear the distinct crunch of hundreds of trainers navigating the uneven terrain. The turnaround point is spectacular: a frantic scramble over the final rocky stretch towards the imposing granite ramparts of the castle, where marshals cheer on the breathless relay teams before sending them hurtling back towards the mainland. The contrast is fantastic—modern fitness enthusiasts pushing their limits against a medieval defensive stronghold, all while the seagulls circle overhead and the ocean waits patiently in the distance.

A Community Racing Against the Sea

Because the race takes place at lunchtime, the crowd is a brilliant, eclectic mix that perfectly captures the spirit of St Helier. You will find fiercely competitive athletes lining up alongside slightly nervous office workers who have swapped their smart shoes for trainers on their lunch break.

There is an infectious, shared energy that ripples through the participants and the spectators alike. Everyone is united by the novelty of the terrain and the looming, unspoken deadline of the incoming tide. It brings the whole island together to celebrate their unique coastline, support the preservation of Jersey's historic sites, and enjoy a bit of friendly corporate and community rivalry. Whether you are running the anchor leg for your team or simply shouting encouragement from the promenade, you feel instantly connected to the island's heritage and its people.

Know Before You Go

• Secure your spot early: Registration for the relay teams typically closes well in advance as local businesses and clubs snap up the available slots. If you want to run, keep a close eye on the official Jersey Heritage updates and book ahead.
• Footwear matters: The causeway is not a smooth running track. Expect wet sand, loose pebbles, and uneven rocks near the castle. Trail running shoes or older, sturdy trainers with good grip are highly recommended.
• Spectator vantage points: To get the best view of the start and finish lines, head down to the upper beach at West Park or secure a spot along the sea wall at Les Jardins de la Mer early.
• Mind the lunchtime rush: Parking at the nearby Esplanade car parks and lay-bys fills up extremely quickly with daily commuters and lunchtime traffic. If you are staying or working in town, walking to the starting line is your best bet.
• Dress in layers: St Aubin's Bay can be beautifully sunny but fiercely windy in September. Bring a warm layer to throw on as soon as you finish your leg of the relay.

Make a Weekend of It

Even if you aren't lacing up your trainers for the relay, an autumn weekend in St Helier is always a brilliant idea. If watching the race inspires you, make time to properly explore Elizabeth Castle at your own pace—if the tide has rolled back in, you can catch the iconic amphibious ferry across the water. Afterwards, enjoy a much slower, more relaxing stroll along the vast expanse of St. Helier Beach, taking in the sweeping views of the bay.

For a fantastic, central place to rest your head, the Pomme d’Or Hotel overlooks Liberation Square, putting the harbour, the town centre, and the waterfront right on your doorstep. If you want to celebrate a successful run (or just toast to the runners from the comfort of a great table), book a spot at La Bastille Bar & Brasserie on Queen Street. Tucked away with an easy charm, it is the perfect place to tuck into carefully crafted dishes in a relaxed, refined setting.

To round off your heritage-themed weekend, dive deeper into the island's fascinating past at the Jersey Museum & Art Gallery, just a short walk from the Weighbridge. And if the Castle Chase has left you eager to see more of the island's defensive history, take a drive out east to visit the breathtaking Mont Orgueil Castle, which has cast its imposing shadow over Gorey harbour for over 800 years.

I will see you on the starting line—let's hope we beat the tide!