The Isle of Wight Marathon returned on Sunday (October 6), marking a special celebration of women in running and commemorating the 60th anniversary of Dale Greig’s sub-three hours and 30 minutes marathon record.
See more photos from this year's event above
Beginning and ending in Cowes, the 26.2-mile route took participants through scenic Island villages, including Porchfield, Shalfleet and Chessell.
Known for its hilly terrain, the IW Marathon remains one of the toughest road marathons in the UK.
Joshua Price of IW Road Runners led the field, finishing with an impressive time of 2 hours, 49 minutes and eight seconds, securing his second consecutive IW Marathon victory.
The local runner was praised by his peers, with many celebrating his continued success and potential to shine at future races, including 2025’s London Marathon.
Davina Brown of Bideford Amateur Athletics Club was the fastest female finisher, clocking in at three hours, 36 minutes and two seconds.
Several participants shared their marathon journeys with the County Press.
Jack Hazlewood completed an extraordinary seven marathons in seven days, with the IW Marathon marking the final race in his challenge.
The Ryde Harriers athlete finished in four hours, 17 minutes and three seconds, with his effort raising money for Mountbatten.
David Saunders of Dursley Running Club and his son Mark, crossed the finish line together just shy of five hours and 50 minutes.
For David, this year’s event was significant as he overcame the memory of collapsing at mile 22 in the 2023 marathon.
Though Mark suffered a calf injury in what was his first-ever marathon with only limited training, the father-son duo completed the race.
David said: "Just had to add a huge thank you to the marshals and the wonderful Island residents on route who provided sweets and drinks for the runners.
"They were brilliant and everyone was so friendly!"
Damian Lai, another member of the Dursley trio, finished his 68th marathon in a time of five hours and 30 seconds.
Nicola Barton of Wooton Bridge Runners also shared her success, achieving a personal best of four hours, one minute and 13 seconds – 46 minutes faster than her first marathon.
She raised money for the IW Youth Trust, a charity that has provided invaluable support for her family.
Nicola said: “I wanted to do it because I thought I should, seeing I lived here, and had travelled as far as Seville to run my last one.
“I decided to raise money for the youth trust because they've helped support my daughter through her anxiety.
"With one-on-one support, their after-school snack and chats and adult support classes. It's so important to support these local charities.”
Island club Ryde Harriers had several participants in this year’s marathon, including Natalie Rose, who finished in four hours, 56 minutes and 48 seconds.
She reflected on the mental and physical challenges of the course, describing it as her toughest marathon yet.
Natalie said: “When things get tough, you got to dig deep and stay strong and come out on top fighting.”
Despite the gruelling conditions, Natalie expressed pride in completing his sixth IW Marathon and her eighth marathon overall.
Jackie Casey, of Yeovil Runners, finished as the second fastest female, with a time of three hours, 45 minutes and 37 seconds.
Her time also saw her cross the line first in her age group of 45+.
While many participants focused on personal achievements, the front of the pack saw fierce competition.
Ed Fuller from Edenbridge took second place with an overall time of two hours, 49 minutes and 53 seconds, just behind Joshua Price.
Dean Harris, representing Chineham Park Running Club, secured third place, crossing the line at two hours, 59 minutes and 39 seconds, and rounding off the sub-three-hour finishers.
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