Thousands of runners took to the city’s streets on Sunday April 24th as the hotly anticipated ABP Southampton Marathon returned for its seventh year. Usually a south coast alternative to London’s famous marathon, this race has become extremely popular in its relatively short time of running. One of the best loved highlights in the running calendar, the adrenaline-fuelled event saw 8,000 elite and enthusiastic runners sign up for a selection of races including a full marathon, half marathon, 10k and a 5k fun run making this event accessible to all ages and all abilities.
Taking in some of the landmarks of the city, the courses take in Bargate, the QE2 Anchor, St Mary’s Stadium and of course the Itchen Bridge, and there were 17 very excited Road Runners getting ready to take their positions on the start line of their chosen races.
The marathon covered two laps of the half marathon course, and seven of our tricolour hopefuls lined up for the 9am kick off. Every one of them praying that the sparse sprinkling of cloud in the sky would stick around long enough to shield them from the sun in Palmerston Park.
Unfortunately as the morning went on the sky only got bluer and bluer making the temperatures rise to uncomfortably warm conditions for the 26.2 mile feat facing our runners.
Simon Randall was the first Road Runner across the line in a brilliant 3:42:41 followed by his long run training buddy and friend David Blake, who completed the course in 4:09:23.
David later went on to talk about his race day on Facebook saying that “My marathon might not have been perfect but the people who have been my support and cheering squad most definitely are.” David also expressed his heart felt thanks to his fellow club members, saying ” I may not get to clubs very often, but you give me that mental lift being a part of the IOW running scene.” We’re so happy to hear that David and it’s good to see you racing again.
Next to complete the 26.2 mile journey was Kev Rann in 4:20:36 mins. Another one of our chaps who felt that the plan went a bit out of the window on the day, but in his own words, he “got round and got the job done.” And I think we’ll all agree that just the challenge of running and finishing a marathon is an amazing achievement so you should be very proud of yourself Kev. Awesome work!
Then it was time for our first lady to bring it home for the team. Carolyn Littleton who ran with her husband John on his debut marathon distance had a blinding run despite the positively tropical conditions, finishing in 4:25:20, taking the 8th spot in her age category and earning herself a shiny new marathon PB!
Carolyn had a fantastic day after completing the Southampton course for the very first time, telling us later on Facebook “Super happy with my time on such a warm day and proud of John Littleton doing his first ever marathon. Fantastic atmosphere and so lovely to see so many IOW runners from all the different running groups.”
Carolyn was also raising money for Ability dogs for Young People along with Jo Randall and was very happy to report that following the event she had achieved her fundraising target. Very well done Carolyn!
Next home was Richard Bezer who again chose to run as support for his Dad. The father son duo took to the streets for the second time in a month after running the Manchester Marathon only weeks before and completed the course in 5:03:51. Well done guys!
And last but by no means certainly not least, our final superstar to conquer the 26.2 mile distance was the lovely Gillian Shaw who finished 5th in her age category and completed her third marathon in 5:36:19 despite missing a turn on the course and ending up on roads with no directions or runners! Luckily for Gillian she was swiftly directed back on to the track and was able to pick up her plan by the 20 mile mark.
Gillian says how “lovely it was to get shout outs and brilliant support. Now to train for IW Marathon in October, hopefully!!” All the best with your training Gillian and very well done.
Marathon
Simon Randall 3:42:41
David Blake 4:09:23
Kev Rann 4:20:36
Carolyn Littleton 4:25:20 PB
Richard Bezer 5:03:51
Gillian Shaw 5:36:19
The 1/2 marathon started an hour later, again from Palmerston Park. A fantastic turn out of 2351 lined up to tackle the single lap race, 10 of them Road Runners. The course was just the one lap, but the sun was creeping ever higher in the sky and the temperature rising.
Club Chairman Steve Bennett was the first Road Runner home in a speedy 1:41:35 taking 7th position in his age category with Simon Paul hot on his heels just 16 seconds later.
New member and superstar runner in the making Clare Pendreich put in an extremely strong performance on the day despite the heat and was the first of our ladies to complete the half marathon loop crossing the line in 1:46:47.
Clare was followed only a few minutes later by the lovely Kate Paul, who despite recently suffering from the dreaded Coronavirus which subsequently had a knock on effect on her training, had a great run finishing well under the two hour mark in 1:51:08. Well done ladies!
It was hard graft as the rest of our half marathoners made their way around the 13.1 mile course, but they all made it safely round and collected their medals at the finish.
Special mentions to Charlotte Macdonald who completed her longest run and first half marathon since completing the C25K course at the end of last year. Awesome work Charlotte!
And also to Keith Ruth who despite originally registering to run the marathon distance, soldiered on to complete the half marathon despite suffering from hip pain early on in the race. Well done Keith, definitely the best decision albeit a difficult one. We hope you are recovering well.
Half Marathon
Steve Bennett 1:41:35
Simon Paul 1:41:51
Clare Pendreich 1:46:47
Kate Paul 1:51:08
Keith Ruth 1:59:19
Eloise Radestock 2:45:39
Deborah Radestock 2:47:03
Jo Randall 2:57:35
Charlotte Macdonald 2:59:39
Lyn Snow 3:08:06
10.30am saw the last race of the day get underway. The 10k saw 1582 runners participate. Only one Road Runner chose the shorter distance and that one awesome lady was Lucy Deville who ran a superb race. She came into the finish at Guildhall Square in a fantastic time of 1:03:10. Well done Lucy!
Lucy Deville 1:03:10
Fantastic running everyone! Very well done. ⭐️
