Race Report: Marathon Madness

Good Evening, Race Report fans, on one of the most memorable days of the annual running calendar - London Marathon Day. This year saw not just one, but two major city marathons taking place, with Manchester Marathon making it the UK’s largest day of marathon running.

Before we get caught up in the marathon madness, a hark back to some other results. Ben Hannen clocked a 5k PB at Serpentine AC’s Last Friday of the Month 5k on 25 April, a time of 19.45. I also wanted to ensure that our collective hats were appropriately doffed to ultra man Hywel Thomas, who completed the 50 miles along the South Downs Way path from Worthing to Eastbourne on 12 April, in a very respectable time of 9.44.53. Well done, Hywel!​

Today’s Manchester Marathon saw really strong performances by Patrick Barrett, with a time of 3.15.49, and former member Fiona Kelleher - 3.06.34. Congratulations to both of them.

Meanwhile, there was a great turnout by Harriers on the streets of London, and there was super strong representation at the sharp end of the race. Just claiming the accolade for fastest Harrier home was Tim Lawrence, in a chip time of 2.41.24, and then - just one place and one second behind - Adam Shute in 2.41.25. Joining them swiftly were Daire Stack - 2.42.03 - and Nick Hughes - 2.42.15, a stunning 2nd place for his age category. Mike ‘Tiny’ Turney also pushed hard for a sub-3 finish, a time of 2.59.49 and 14th for his age category. A special mention must also go to Ali Young, who completed the course in 3.26.37 - a creditable time for anyone, but especially creditable for someone dressed as a penguin! That time also earned Ali the honour to be named the World Record Holder for the fastest female marathon dressed as a (three-dimensional) bird and, apparently, a really achey jaw from all the grinning en route. Barbara Ralph continued her record of most female London marathons, clocking a time of 5.49.14, and finishing 52nd for her age category. Mum and daughter Rebecca and Lesedi Nkoane did the family proud, coming home in 3.31.49 and 4.02.59, respectively, with Lesedi doing her first ever marathon! Lauren Mayot made her marathon debut as well, in a time of 4.01.15. The Harriers team were completed by: Abi Askey (3.40.28); Dom Baker (3.12.59); Tim Dawson (5.10.14); Sylvia and Richard Moss (4.05.15 and 3.27.36, respectively); Mairead O’Rourke (3.42.54); Susan Scollan (3.42.12); Stephen Sprod (4.40.21); and Ed Wright (3.39.05). Well done to everyone running, and huge thanks to the supporters along the route!
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COMING UP LOCALLY: Youth Development League, our very own Pednor 5, MK Marathon & Half, Buckingham Half Marathon, Black to the Trails, Marlow 5 and the kick-off of the Southern Athletics League. More on these events, and others in the Club Calendar.

A NOTE ABOUT RACE REPORT: If you have done an event, or know that someone else has, ping a quick email to [email protected] to make sure it is included in a future iteration of Race Report.