A MANX win in today’s Salclear Isle of Man Marathon was denied when Murray Lambden’s brave bid for victory faded in the latter stages of the race.

Lambden took the lead in the race after 17 miles at West Kimmeragh, overtaking Graham Hedger, and by Andreas Village had pulled out a 100 metre lead. But Ian McIlwee - who had held third place for most of the race - gradually pulled back the gap and it was not far outside of the village before McIlwee took control and never looked back.

Hedger also recovered, as Lambden struggled, and eventually claimed second spot, just under five minutes behind the winner. Lambden (running for Manx Harriers) took third spot, hanging on by less than a minute from fast finishing Dave Potter from Leamington AC.

The half-marathon, run over one lap of the course covering a route from Ramsey, through Bride and Andreas, did produce a Manx win with Ed Gumbley (Manx Harriers) claiming victory over Barry Norman (Wesham RR) by 27 seconds. Mark Hulmston (Wirral AC) was third, a further 33 seconds behind.

The Salclear marathon and half-marathon were held in perfect conditions - warm, overcast and with a gentle breeze. Hundreds of athletes took part with local runners dominating the field. However, there were a large number of runners from the UK and some competitors travelled from as far afield as the USA, Austria, Italy, France and Germany.

The ladies half marathon was won by Hannah Howard of Eastleigh RC. Arthur Markham won the Junior Men’s race. Class winners were Graham Hedger, Nigel Armstrong, Murray Lambden, Dave Potter, Jonathan Bateman, Patrick Collins, Ian Satterthwaite, Mark Hulmston, Peter Cruse (Lytham & St Annes), Phil Cain (Manx Harriers), Richard Radcliffe (Northern AC), Francis Boal (Ballydrain Harriers), Peter Estick (Massey Ferguson RC), Lesley Clarkson, Lorna Trevethan, Liz McGowan, Hilary Bell, Selina Da Silva, Catherine Marriott, Bridget Mulligan and Graham Wright. 

RESULTS:

Salclear Marathon

1.  Ian McIlwee  02-46-51

2.  Graham Hedger  02-51-21

3.  Murray Lambden (Manx Harriers)  02-54-09

4.  Dave Potter (Leamington AC)  02-55-04

5.  Philip Teece (Billingham Marsh HH)  02-55-47

6.  Nigel Armstrong (Manx Harriers)  02-58-02

Mens Salclear Half Marathon

1.  Ed Gumbley (Manx Harriers)  01-16-27

2.  Barry Norman (Wesham RR)  01-16-54

3.  Mark Hulmston (Wirral AC)  01-17-27

Ladies Salclear Half Marathon

1.  Hannah Howard (Eastleigh RC)  01-25-40

2.  Gemma Adams (Preston Harriers)  01-29-25

3.  Rebecca Wallace  01-42-16

All photos by Bill Dale www.isleofmanphotos.com