Paul Cameron won the Needles cross-country half marathon. Picture by Robin Crossley.
PICTURE GALLERY
NEEDLES CROSS-COUNTRY MARATHON & HALF MARATHON IN SWELTERING heat, two course records were broken in Sunday’s Needles cross-country half-marathon.
IW Road Runner Paul Cameron broke the men’s record, while Becky Glover, from London, won her third successive Needles cross-country half-marathon, in a record time of 1.31.52.
Paul, 37, only started running seven years ago and he was delighted to beat the record by nearly two minutes, with a time of 1.20.95.
"I started running when I was 30 after giving up smoking and to be in this position is a great feeling," said Paul, who will compete in the half marathon at this year’s Island Games.
Londoner Becky, who runs for the Serpentine Running Club, said she hoped to be back to try and win her fourth half-marathon next year.
"It’s a tough half-marathon but it is one of the most scenic and I love running here," she said.
In the full marathon, Mark Braley, 37, also from the Serpentine Running Club, won the race in a time of 3.17.10.
Running in his first Needles cross-country marathon, Mark admitted the heat caused him problems during the race.
"There were times I had to walk because the heat was so intense and I was dead at the end but I am so pleased to win," he said.
Paul Wells, of Hornbeam Close, Ryde, was the first Islander to cross the line, in a time of 3.30.31.
Romsey runner Sue Sleath, taking part in the event for the first time, was the first woman to finish the full marathon.
"There were some nice patches of breeze but coming along the old railway track was almost unbearable," she said.
Ninety-three competitors signed up on the day, making it 299 runners in total.
"All of the runners have amazed me because the conditions were extremely tough," said organiser Madeline Goodman.
• The IW Road Runners had six competing in the half marathon and a further three doing the full race.
Simon McMorran was disappointed with his race and after sustaining an injury in an early fall he came home in 14th place.
The mixed team was completed by Sara Kalcher, who put in an impressive performance for 73rd place and third senior lady. This gifted the team third place out of the 19 teams. Fresh from his London marathon, Dave Khan ran a good race for 21st place, as did Dave Cass in 46th. Jason Doughty came 82nd.
With 122 runners completing the extremely challenging marathon course, Roger Walker Reed brought the team home in 32nd place with a good time of 4:12:37. This gave Roger first place in the vet 60 category. Phil Mannall ran well for 44th in 4:29:38, as did Steve Hickman in 56th place.
• Pictures from our online gallery www.iwcpgallery.co.uk below.
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Reporter: mattw@iwcpmail.co.uk