202 distance runners set off from the IW Community Club in Cowes yesterday (Sunday) to embark on the Isle of Wight Marathon.
Joshua Price IW Road Runners, last year’s champion, led from the start. He held his advantage to the tape, recording a time of two hours 49 minutes and 9 seconds. It was only his 4th marathon having already won over the distance earlier this year in Bath.
Ed Fuller from Edenbridge in Kent, was closing in on Josh but had to content himself with a personal best of 2:49:54 in second place.
Dean Harris from Chineham near Basingstoke also broke the 3 hours barrier. Over the last 7 years, he has competed in more than 20 races, and he recorded 2:5:39 for 3rd.
Tomas Frigstad from Farnham came home fourth in 3:11 but admitted he found it a tough, hilly course.
In his 1st official marathon, Louis Forster of Vectis Academy was 5th, taking 3:14:13 but smashed the Junior Men’s record by 26 minutes.
Davina Brown, Bideford AC, was first lady home in 3:36:05 having run all the way alongside her partner, Rob Finch. This was her 4th marathon, following Brighton, London and Loch Ness.
2nd was Jackie Casey, 3:46:10 from Yeovil, with Emma Moreton from Shepperton, close behind in 3:47:30. Island resident Hayley Baxter IWRR was placed fourth in 3:50:49.
In the battle for the men’s team trophy, Isle of Wight Road Runners took the first 2 slots, with Ryde Harriers 3rd. The winning trio of IWRR was Joshua Price,Ashley Crabbe and Nick Kenney.
IWRR won the women’s team prize with Hayley Baxter, Zoe Sherwin and Abigail Keyte. West Wight Road Runners were runners-up with IWRR 3rd.
Malcolm Knight of the 100 Marathon Club ran the Island race for the 40th time in 2022. This year he returned, posting a time of 5: 50:50 as second male veteran70 plus and was presented with a commemorative marathon mug.
Finishing in a time of 4:08:15 Nick Holmes 100 Marathon Club completed his 28th IW marathon as the 2nd veteran 60 plus.
60 years ago, Scottish runner Dale Greig set a female World Record time of 3:27:25 in the Isle of Wight Marathon. Her feat was recognised on medals presented to all finishers after this 2024 race.
You wrote about Dale Greig when she set the rcorder it was on what was regarded as the hardest course in the country and not the easier one they use today.Dale stayed with Bill Ross whilst on the Island Bill was a Ryder Harrier who also competed in the race