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Back in 1986 the foundation of what later would become the Discoveryrun was
laid when some members of the Harwich Runners (John Gibson and Nigel Mower
†)
met up with Johan Knoester. Johan, already an inspired runner, was
employed on one of the Stena Line ships and a member of The Hague Road
Runners. Today Johan enjoys an early retirement and is a member of
a.v. Heerenveen
& S.V. Friesland
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Very soon as much as fifty runners from both countries participated in
contests in both countries and also in the festivities surrounding the
contest. The Harwich Runners organized a 10k run and a half marathon. The
Hague Road Runners organized The Hague 10 miles. A local artist, painter
Russell Thomas (†)
painted the prizes, beautiful watercolour paintings. At that time, Anne
van Schuppen was one of the winners. |
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The enthusiasm to visit each other was great but a large sum of money was needed to attend a ‘running weekend’. Things changed when the Stena Discovery (HSS) entered the scene. It became possible for competitors to go to England, run 5 or 10k in Harwich, visit the city of Colchester and get home again within 16 hours. The Discoveryrun was born. | |||
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From 1999 until 2006 four to six hundred runners easily could take the
fast ferry to participate in a run, as the Dutch organization cooperated
with John Gibson of the Harwich Runners. The presence of the mayor for the
start and handing over the prizes and the Town-crier for the welcoming of
the Dutch athletes brought the Dutch immediately in an English atmosphere.
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With the Discovery run a large contribution is given towards charities. One of the charities is selected by the city council of Harwich. Also a donation is given to two sea rescue organizations, KNRM and RNLI. Unfortunately the Stena Discovery is no longer in service. But because of the huge popularity of the contest over the years, the organizing committee has decided to keep the name.
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The journey to England will be via two adjusted Stena Line ships, the
Stena Brittannica and the Stena Hollandica (check news, homepage). With
their numerous facilities the journey will be an adventure on the ships.
Taking part in the Discovery run is now a minicruise which takes you from
Friday evening 10 pm., leaving Hoek van Holland, until Sunday morning 8.30
am. when you arrive back in Hoek van Holland.
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2006
RNLI,Lifeboatcrew,Harwich |
2006 |
2006
Prize distribution by the
Mayor of Harwich,
1st Prize Helmy
Ramakers |
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