ALMOST half the runners who took part in the popular Isle of Wight Half Marathon from Ryde’s Appley Park were Islanders.

The race, hosted by Ryde Harriers, saw 298 finishers, with Island-based Matt Sharp, of TeamSpy, winning it in 1.12.31 — yet another great achievement for the athlete.

Joe Wade, of the Isle of Wight Athletics Club (IWAA), was almost a minute behind him to finish second in 1.13.20.

For the ladies, Ryde Harrier Charlie Metcalfe was first in 1.30.50, which also netted her the first female veteran 40 prize and a new FV40 course record — almost four minutes ahead of her nearest rival.

The junior winner was Flynn Powell of the IWAA in 1.26.18, while in the team competition, the men’s section was won by the Isle of Wight Road Runners (IWRR), with TeamSpy in second, while in the women’s team competition, Ryde Harriers took first and third place, with IWRR second.

Ryde Harriers members did particularly well in the veterans sections, with prizes awarded to Tracey Dillon, who scooped the female veteran 45 section in 1.47.15, plus Julie King (FV50) in 1.46.32 and Roger Merry (MV65) in 2.06.37.

Harrier Stephen Lee’s 2.04.43 was a new course record in the MV75 section.

The IWRR also had some veteran section awards, including Sean Williams (MV45) in 1.24.59, Peter Sexton (MV55) in 1.34.52, Sue Hunter (FV60) in 2.25.15 and Lucy Deville (FV65) in 2.43.59.

Cherry Owens, of the West Wight Road Runners, took the FV70 section in 2.30.15.

There were also 2km and 5km runs for kids and adults.

Chris Lewis, race secretary thanked Wightlink for its continued help with travel costs for visiting runners.