Spring Marathon Season
As the spring marathon season comes to close, we would like to congratulate all ECH athletes who completed the gruelling marathon distance. Many members have been hitting the miles hard since January, all with different motivations to cross the finish line.
The Boston Marathon took place on Monday 21st April and Gavin Browne made the long trip over to the USA to take on the Iconic oldest marathon. The course is tough, with a fast first half followed by a tricky hilly second half with the famous heartbreak hill at 21 mile. Gavin ran a solid race to come home with a new PB of 2.37.09.
Gavin in Boston Common after the race!
The London Marathon, Manchester Marathon and Blackpool Marathon all took place 6 days later on Sunday 26th April. The sun shone which made it difficult conditions for athletes with the heat proving to be an extra challenge on the day.
Five ECH athletes stayed local in Manchester and enjoyed the home support. Matthew Smith had a storming run to post a 3 minute PB, coming home in 2.40.22.
Matt Smith with his medal
George Lewis was next and came home in 2.52.43 after a difficult last few miles and help from some amazing local runners who assisted George over the line. None the less it was a 17min PB and first sub 3 hour finish. Ever present James Hartshorne clocked another sub 3 and 20 second PB coming home in 2.58.46. Mike Kennedy and Paul Minton toughed it out finishing with 3.37.56 and 4.19.04 respectively.
James and Mike before the race
Robin Horner made the short trip over to the Blackpool coast and battled the hot windy conditions to finish in a very respectable 3.27.02.
Four ECH athletes made the trip to the Capital for the Iconic London Marathon. Again, really hot conditions made it a challenge for all athletes who did well to get to the finish line. Josh Walton lead the team home, just dipping under the 3 hour marker with 2.59.35. Allan Cooke had a very solid debut marathon coming home in 3.18.03 and is now thirsty for more!
Allan enjoying Tower Bridge
Mr Marathon man himself Andy Sykes not only completed the brutal distance in 3.29.48 but also raised over £1,100 for a local charity ‘Thumbs up for Charlie’. Inspirational Andy, well done!
Andy posing at London Expo
Katie Kay unfortunately had a tough day at the office after struggling with cramp, but still managed to try and enjoy the occasion and smiling over the line (as always) in 3.40.22.
Katie at the finish - crying or smiling!?
Finally, on Sunday 11th May it was the turn of Steven Broadbent who took on the Copenhagen Marathon. Ste had a brilliant run with excellent consistent pacing to knock 7minutes off his PB with a stunning 2.37.41.
Guess who couldn’t find their ECH vest before travelling over
Well done to all and enjoy the much needed rest!