Ryde Harriers Chris Newnham and Carly Scoble produced superb performances in the Verona Marathon, both claiming top-5 finishes and Newnham securing an excellent third place.
The pair travelled to northern Italy for the international event, which drew more than 3,000 runners from around the world. The flat, fast course through Verona’s historic streets and along the River Adige offered ideal conditions, with calm winds and moderate temperatures.
Chris settled into a strong early group alongside elite half–marathon runners, passing halfway in just over 70 minutes in 6th place. Carly also started confidently, reaching halfway in 85 minutes and positioned inside the women’s top 5.
With the half–marathon complete and the field spreading out, both Harriers continued to push in more isolated conditions. By 35km Chris had overtaken 2 Kenyan athletes and was closing rapidly on 3rd place, while Carly maintained her rhythm within a small pack of male runners.
Humidity, however, had climbed to 95%, and despite the cool temperatures the conditions took a toll on the entire field, with significant slowing beyond 20 miles. Chris fought through the fatigue to pass the third Kenyan at the 41km point, while Carly held firm in 5th entering the city centre.
Running into the iconic Verona Arena to loud support, Chris secured a superb podium finish with a huge PB of 2:23:33. Carly followed in 2:55:33, only 100 seconds outside her personal best and 5th from around 1,500 female competitors.
Both athletes also placed 2nd in their respective 35–39 age categories, adding to their impressive list of honours.
After months of structured marathon preparation, both runners will now switch their focus to shorter distances before targeting a spring marathon.
Results: Verona Marathon, 16th November
Chris Newnham – 02:23:33 (3rd Overall, 2nd Vet 35)
Carly Scoble – 02:55:33 (5th Lady, 2nd Vet 35)
