Bourton Roadrunners

Manchester Marathon

THE Manchester Marathon claims to be the flattest, fastest and friendliest marathon in the UK and Bourton Roadrunners' members Steve Edwards, Darren Long, Lucy Walmsley, Claire Harrison, Steph Holton, Catherine Wheeler and Susan Hunt headed North to check out the claim, with some outstanding results.

The cool, calm, conditions were perfect for the 7,800 runners and there was considerable public support around the course.

Lucy and Darren had sub-three hour runs as their goal, while Steve was tackling his 680th marathon and aiming for his 295th inside 3:15.

Claire planned to race hard (with one eye on that elusive sub 3:15). Steph, Catherine and Susan were hoping to beat their previous best times.

Darren was first back for Bourton, running a perfectly-paced 2:57.36. Close behind was Lucy, with an outstanding 2:57.50 (14th out of 2,282 ladies and first FV40).

Steve was delighted to run his fastest time since November 2013, with 3:06.49.

Claire’s months of hard training paid off with a superb PB of 3:14.07.

There were also personal best performances from Steph (3:29.49), Catherine (3:36.11) and Susan (3:39.48).