Chris Newnham produced an outstanding top-15 finish while Tom Fallick broke the 3-hour barrier in impressive style on Sunday (19th April).
Ryde Harriers’ Chris Newnham, whose recent road running form earned him an elite entry into this year’s Manchester Marathon – which incorporated the England Marathon Championship – fully justified his selection with a superb performance.
Competing in ideal distance running conditions, Newnham finished 13th overall from a field of 42,000 runners in the UK’s second-largest marathon after the London Marathon.
Starting at the very front, he settled at the rear of the lead group of 20 athletes before wisely easing back when the early pace proved too demanding. Moving into the second pack, he maintained a strong and consistent rhythm of around 3 minutes 20 seconds per kilometre, passing 10km in 33:11 and the halfway mark in 1:10:06 while looking comfortable.
The second half of the marathon inevitably tested the field, but Newnham held his form well, reaching 30km in 1:40:00. Despite a slight drop in pace over the closing stages, he powered home to record a personal best of 2:22:42 – averaging an impressive 5:27 per mile across the 26.2-mile distance.
The race also served as a selection event for the England Masters Championships, and Newnham’s 3rd-place finish in the V35 category should secure his place. It was an outstanding all-round performance.
Team-mate Tom Fallick, in just his 2nd year of competitive running, also impressed while tackling only his 2nd marathon. Starting in a crowded section of the field, he reached halfway in 1:28:37 before battling fatigue beyond the 35km mark.
Showing determination in the closing miles, Fallick dug deep to break the coveted 3-hour barrier, finishing in 2:59:26 – another excellent result for the club.
Ryde Harriers coach Geoff Watkin said:
“Both athletes have been working very hard with their training in a tough 14-week block which has consisted of quicker work at the track in Sandown on Tuesday evenings and long marathon sessions at the weekends as well as daily runs during the week. Lots of hard work and I’m delighted that both have been rewarded with excellent marathon runs.”
Results:
Chris Newnham – 02:22:42 (11th overall, 3rd V35)
Tom Fallick – 02:59:26
