The allure of the flattest course in the UK tempted 6 road runners into entering the Greater Manchester Marathon on Sunday. Just 180ft of elevation across the entire course makes this a perfect opportunity to run a PB.
Keith Ruth, Julie Salter, Lucy Deville, Sarah Holmes, Michael Coultrup and Paul Butcher kicked off the Roadrunners road marathon season. Unbelievably Paul has been working away for 3 months and has been unable to train. Undeterred, he returned to the UK on Monday, dusted off his running shoes and got out on the roads to train and taper all in one week.
Organised by the Salford Harriers, it was first run in 1909, this marathon has had several periods of absence and accompanying course variations. In 2012 the marathon was revived and brought back to Trafford, the heart of sport in the city.
It was nippy but dry as they nervously lined up amongst the 13 500 strong field outside Old Trafford for the early 9am start.
Winding through leafy Sale, Timperly, Altrincham and Carrington, the course takes the Runners on a tour of Manchester’s suburbs. as they was well supported and well marshalled, with plenty of entertainment on route. From blues bands to choirs, the local community really get behind this fantastically organised event.
Keith Ruth took full advantage of the flat course as he shattered his target of running under 4 hours as he stormed home 11 minutes quicker.
“I’d said this was to be my penultimate marathon ages ago. I have been wanting to get under 4 hours for so long. To say I am happy is a huge understatement. I blubbed like a baby at the end”
Next in was Michael Coultrup who was pleased to finish under 4 hours as he suffered badly with an injured knee from 10 miles onwards. First home for the girls was pocket rocket Sarah Holmes in 4hrs 08mins. A pleasing result for her considering she’d been struck down with a chest infection only a week before the race. Just a couple of minutes later Julie crossed the line with her son Bradley. It was his first marathon and she ran the the whole distance with him.
“I am a proud and emotional mum” she said after the race
Next across the finish line outside Old Trafford Cricket Ground was Paul comfortabley under 5 hours. A remarkable feat with no training. Last but by no means least was Wonder Woman Lucy Deville who was all smiles despite also being poorly. She was met with a warm reception in the finish area by the rest of the team.
K.Ruth- 3.49.06
M.Coultrup- 3.50.58
S.Holmes- 4.08.37
J.Salter- 4.10.25
P.Butcher- 4.56.27
L.Deville- 5.54.48
