191 runners set off from the Isle of Wight Community Club in Cowes yesterday (Sunday) to compete over a full marathon distance of 26.2 miles on a circuit out and back to the West Wight.
Organised by Ryde Harriers, from the start 2 club members contested the lead, with Gary Marshall edging Chris Newnham. At 16 miles, Chris made his move and gradually pulled further ahead. Having already run 2:26 in London, a fast time was on the cards, and he crossed the line just outside that mark. Meanwhile, Gary was in pursuit but could not match his teammate’s pace, setting a personal best of 2:31:57. He was also the first Vet 40 home, setting a new mark for that category.
However, fate was to alter the result dramatically, as GPS records showed that Chris had deviated slightly from the actual course, when he unwittingly took a shortcut. Accordingly, Gary was to inherit the crown, his third success in this race, becoming the first runner belonging to an Island club to win on three separate occasions: 2018, 2022 and 2025. As for Chris, who was using this race as a warm up for the Verona Marathon in 6 weeks time in Italy, he has another chance to better his personal best then.
Edwin Redhead, a junior man, was the new runner up in 2:45:51. He is currently studying at UCL London and is about to join Highgate Harriers. Ten years ago, Edwin’s father, Christopher, was victorious in the race for a second time.
3rd place went to Ryde Harrier Daniel Furmidge in 2:56:49,in his inaugural marathon. He had not run for about 30 years, but during COVID he started running again with his dad Dave, a long standing member of Ryde Harriers.
A second junior male, Louis Forster, from Newport, was fourth in 3:00:41. Although pleased with his time, he might have had a faster time but for the strong headwind on the return leg.
Placing 8th overall was the first female Jemima Renfer of Highgate Harriers in 3:11:59, a new record for the female veteran 35 plus category.
IW Road Runners trio of Ross Wilkes, Richard Bezer and John Jenkins were the best Men’s team on 30 points. Runners up were Ryde Harriers (38) comprising Gary Marshall, Daniel Furmidge and Graham Gardiner.
In the ladies category, 100 Marathon Club and Ryde Harriers tied on 80 points, but the former were victorious by virtue of the highest placed first runner home.
First raced in 1957, this was the 69th Isle of Wight Marathon and incorporated the 50th ladies race.
