London 2012: Isle of Man Olympic torch route announced
- Published
Olympic torch relay organisers have revealed the streets on which the torch will be carried during its visit to the Isle of Man in June.
The torch will arrive on 2 June and will be carried on several modes of transport, including a TT sidecar, a bicycle and a horse tram.
The torch is due to arrive on the first race day of the TT races.
Torchbearer Bethany De Legh-Runciman, from Onchan, said it was a "once in a life-time opportunity".
The 40-year-old has battled severe mental and physical illness by taking on a series of endurance challenges, including completing the Parish Walk twice in 2008.
Ms De Legh-Runciman said: "I discovered running and walking in 1994 and it transformed my life. It provides me with the strength to cope with mental illness. Exercise is my drug."
In 2009, she represented the Isle of Man in the Inaugural Commonwealth Ultradistance Championships in Keswick and has completed 88 marathons, of which 44 were ultra marathons, raising more than £15,000 for local charities.
"Exercise, preparation and a positive attitude can change ordinary people's lives and help them become extraordinary. I am really honoured to get this opportunity."
Ms De Legh-Runciman will carry the torch through her home town but it will also visit the National Sports Centre, the TT grandstand, the Douglas lifeboat station and the Laxey Wheel.
She added: "I am positive that all my friends and family will be there to cheer me on. It is a great honour to be selected."
The Olympic flame arrives in the UK on 18 May and begins its 70-day journey at Land's End on the morning of 19 May.
During the 10-week relay the torch will be carried by 8,000 torchbearers and will travel about 8,000 miles.
London 2012 organisers Locog say the torch will come within 10 miles of 95% of the population.
- Published19 March 2012
- Published19 March 2012