HAVING jumped through a variety of health and safety hoops to make it happen, organisers of the 64th Isle of Wight Marathon were delighted it went ahead as planned, with a new course record to show for it, despite the appalling weather.

With all the Covid-19 restrictions in place it was a very different race this year with the start having to be socially distanced.

Isle of Wight County Press: Gary Marshall, right, hot on the heels of Mike Boucher.Gary Marshall, right, hot on the heels of Mike Boucher.

After putting in much spadework to prove they could meet the Covid-19 guidelines set out by UK Athletics and Run Britain, Ryde Harriers saw 177 runners — the best field for many years — set off from the Isle of Wight Community Club, Cowes, on Sunday.

Isle of Wight County Press: Charlie Metcalfe, the fastest Island woman who broke the ladies' record for the course. Photo: Pamela ParkerCharlie Metcalfe, the fastest Island woman who broke the ladies' record for the course. Photo: Pamela Parker

With a socially distanced, seeded start that allowed the runners to spread out quickly, the men’s race saw Ross Skelton (Hy Runners) win in a new course record of 2.28.30, with Gary Marshall (Ryde Harriers) fourth and first Islander in 2.36.15, three minutes off last year’s time and a good effort in a top quality field.

Isle of Wight County Press: Gary Marshall, of Ryde Harriers, came fourth.Gary Marshall, of Ryde Harriers, came fourth.

In a normal year, the field would cross the start line in about 20 seconds, but unusually, this year, the start pens were 100m long to enable social distancing, which resulted in runners taking eight minutes to cross the line, with two going off at three-second intervals.

Isle of Wight County Press: Sarah Remnant having fun on the run. Photo: Aaron McGrathSarah Remnant having fun on the run. Photo: Aaron McGrath

With Adam Tuck (2.48.50) and Dave Hunt (2.52.08) of Ryde Harriers coming fifth and sixth respectively, it gave, with Marshall, they won the men’s team accolade. Both also achieved PBs.

Charlie Metcalfe (Ryde Harriers) won the women’s race in 2.56.38 and, in doing so, set a new course record — beating the record of Sarah Hill (Farnham Runners), who came second in 3.10.26.

Isle of Wight County Press: Carolyn and Keith Ruth at Gurnard. Photo: Aaron McGrathCarolyn and Keith Ruth at Gurnard. Photo: Aaron McGrath

Holly Newton (Ryde Harriers) came third in 3.18.01, with Hayley Baxter (Isle of Wight Road Runners) fifth in 3.32.05.

Metcalfe, Newton and Claire Angell gave Ryde Harriers women’s team honours — beating an Isle of Wight Road Runners team.

Isle of Wight County Press: Tillie Moore and Colin Richardson. Photo: Aaron McGrathTillie Moore and Colin Richardson. Photo: Aaron McGrath

There was a notable performance by Ken Oatley (Ryde Harriers), who clocked 3.10.38 in his first race over ten miles, let alone his first marathon.

“The weather was truly appalling for both the runners and volunteers with continual wind and rain throughout, but we were delighted to see the best field turn out for the event in many years,” said co-organiser, Chris Lewis, of Ryde Harriers.

Isle of Wight County Press: Sam Cleare and Jess Olden. Photo: Aaron McGrathSam Cleare and Jess Olden. Photo: Aaron McGrath

Wightlink supported the event by providing free travel for runners from the mainland.