There was a record turnout for this year’s Microgaming Isle of Man Marathon and Half Marathon; 121 competitors entered the 26.2 mile race, with a further 344 taking on the half distance challenge.
Runners came from all over the globe to take part in the 2013 Microgaming Isle of Man Marathon and Half Marathon, including the US, South Africa, Italy, Germany and Poland. With 465 entries in total, numbers were up on last year’s event by 48, an 11.5% increase.
Local athlete Ed Gumbley took home the men’s Marathon crown recording a time of 2hr 41min 46seconds for the 26.2 mile event. The Manx Harriers athlete retained his title from 2012, shedding over three minutes from last year’s recorded time. Graham Hedger came in second, shortly followed by Paul Davies.
The women’s Marathon winner was Fiona Oakes, crossing the line in a time of 3hr 12min 55seconds. Fiona completed the Isle of Man Marathon as part of a World Record attempt to be the fastest women on elapsed time in seven marathons on all seven continents. Also included in the line-up for the women’s Marathon was Selina da Silva from Devon. Selina was competing in her 300th marathon and to mark the occasion she was given entry no. 300.
Ewan Brown from York was the men’s Half Marathon winner, running the 13.1 mile distance in a swift 1hr 12min 30seconds, followed by Robert Affleck and Kevin Deakes respectively. In fourth place was Tim Knott, a Microgaming employee, finishing in exactly 1hr 21minutes. The women’s Half Marathon was won by local athlete Caroline Mayers, finishing in 1hr 29min 20seconds.
Colin Watterson, Chairman of Isle of Man Veteran Athletes’ Club, comments: “Congratulations to everyone that took part in this year’s event. What a fantastic line-up; this was the largest group we’ve ever had. I must thank the Marathon committee, our new sponsors Microgaming and all those who volunteered their time to ensure the event was such a success.”
The Microgaming Isle of Man Marathon and Half Marathon was held in Ramsey on Sunday 11th August, with the finish line situated in the Ballacloan Football Stadium. This is the first year Microgaming has sponsored the event, having signed a three-year sponsorship deal. Next year’s event will be held on Sunday 10th August; entries open on the 1st January 2014. For more information, please visit www.isleofmanmarathon.com.
Photo - Top three finishers of the men’s Half Marathon.
