A group of 4 Isle of Wight Road Runners combined cycling and running in an epic cross-Channel challenge, travelling to France by bike before completing the D-Day Normandy Marathon.
Friends John Jenkins, Richard Bezer, Oliver Bezer and Ben Rand made the journey together last weekend after Richard recommended the event, having previously taken part himself.
After arriving in France, they cycled 13 miles from the ferry terminal to collect their race numbers at the event expo, stopping at the historic Pegasus Bridge en route. A further 15-mile ride took them to their campsite close to the Normandy coast.
Saturday – which was also John Jenkins’ birthday – was spent exploring the D-Day beaches, including Juno Beach and Gold Beach, despite wet and windy weather. The group added another 10 miles to their cycling tally while taking in the historic sites.
Race day arrived on Sunday (7th June), with the marathon starting at 09:10 in Courseulles-sur-Mer.
Having already covered significant distances by bike during the weekend, the runners admitted they arrived at the start line feeling fatigued, but all four successfully completed the 26.2-mile challenge.
John Jenkins crossed the line in 3:17:32, followed by Richard Bezer in 3:26:20. Brothers Oliver Bezer and Ben Rand finished almost together, recording times of 3:48:05 and 3:48:06 respectively.
The route took runners along the Normandy coastline before passing the Canal de Caen à la Mer and Pegasus Bridge, with large crowds providing support as competitors approached the finish in Caen.
John, whose marathon personal best remains the 3:12:03 he achieved in Paris, described the event as a fast and enjoyable course.
He said:
John Jenkins, Isle of Wight Road Runners member, has said:
“Throughout the race the support was amazing. It’s definitely a fast marathon and one I would recommend giving a go.
“The final miles were packed with spectators and made for a brilliant atmosphere.”
The challenge was not over once the race had finished, however, with the quartet cycling another 10 miles on Monday morning to catch the return ferry from Caen before arriving back on the Isle of Wight later that afternoon.
