Yorkshire Marathon

Twelve Grantham Running Club members made the journey north for the Yorkshire Marathon on Sunday 20th October. This included three who were making their debut over the 26.2 mile distance.

The ASDA Foundation race began on the York University campus and headed straight into the historic city through the medieval gateway at Walmgate Bar and past York Minster before heading out into the countryside.  As well as the inspiring Yorkshire views and support, the course was littered with motivational signs, a favourite being “One does not simply walk into Yorkshire” credited to Sean Bean.

Given Yorkshire’s fearsome reputation for hills, the course is relatively flat and, in conjunction with almost ideal marathon weather conditions on race morning, the race yielded some great performances from GRC members, including a magnificent seven personal best times.

Richard Payne was buzzing after coming home first for GRC in an impressive 3:26:48, joining the sub 3:30 club with a new personal best some 12 minutes and 9 seconds quicker than his previous best effort. Simon Smith ran excellently to break four hours in his second ever marathon - 3:56:30 knocked 15:15 off his Manchester time set back in April this year.

Arguably the personal performance of the day was by Jo Moore. Her time of 4:29:21 sliced a staggering 1hr 17mins off her previous best set at the London Marathon two years ago. Running alongside Jo and finishing in the same time was Tracey Smith, who was ‘quite pleased’ with a whopping 23:49 PB. A great day out in Yorkshire saw additional personal bests set by: Rachel Pattison (5:00:04); Julie Gilbert (4:30:46); and Rosalind Sadler (4:44:47), who beat their previous bests by 21:56, 15:38, and 7:33 respectively.

Nicola Cottam finished alongside Julie in 4:30:37. She suffered with a sore hamstring for the last few miles, but ran well to finish within ninety seconds of her personal best time. Belinda Baker ran well to finish her second marathon just outside five hours (5:00:06).

The three GRC debutants at marathon distance all gave good accounts of themselves as their summer training paid off. Esther Fraser-Betts (4:47:00) made not only a marathon debut but also her first appearance as a GRC member! John Nevard, also finishing in 4:47:00, was delighted to complete his first marathon nearly two years to the day from his completing his first 10k race. Nichola Webster (5:02:21) running in a Diabetes UK vest, raised over £1200 for the charity.

Several of the GRC runners credited their performance improvements to quality training through the summer months and running with good friends during the longer runs. Feedback from the race was very positive: a lovely course with great Yorkshire support and marshals; and impressive medal and goody bag at the finish most appreciated. On course support was provided by GRC's Adrian Walker, in the role of one man club cheer squad at around mile 19, which was appreciated by all.

  

The race was won by Mark Buckingham of Holmfirth in 2:21:42 with Charlene Jacobs-Conradie of Luton Athletic Club the winning woman in 2:46:50. There were 4310 finishers.