TWO Isle of Wight runners smashed course records in this year’s St George’s 10 on Sunday.

The race, organised by the Isle of Wight Road Runners (IWRR) attracted 165 runners.

It was a challenge for them all — a relentless, undulating, beast of a course over ten miles, peppered with some epic climbs, which started from St George’s School and marked St George’s Day the following day, Monday.

This year’s winner was Gary Marshall, in a speedy 58.46, to break the previous course record by eight seconds — and last year’s winner by more than a minute.

Gary, 39, a member of the Wootton Bridge Runners, got himself noticed on the Island running scene last year when he won the Isle of Wight Marathon in his first-ever competitive run.

The next Islanders home were Ryde Harriers Dave Hunt (1.01.23), 36, and Adam Tuck (1.02.20), 39, who came third and fifth respectively.

The quickest member of the IWRR was Stuart Backhouse (1.04.40), who came sixth, three places and 1min 40secs better than last year.

The 48-year-old also won his veterans’ Vet 40 category.

In the ladies race, last minute entry, Laura Brackley, 35, of Ryde Harriers, was victorious in 1.07.16 and tenth overall.

Her fast time set a new course record, chopping 17 seconds off the previous best.

Rosanna Sexton (IWRR), 22, continued her great form to take second place in 1.09.25, a new personal best, and 17th overall.

IWRR athlete, Jodie Willmot, 37, of Cowes, was third fastest, in 1.14.26, to finish 29th.

Pete Young, 72, of Ryde Harriers, won the Vet 70, while Cherry Owens, 72, of the West Wight Road Runners, won the Vet 65.