Gary wins 66th Isle of Wight Marathon by country few miles

The Ryde Harriers athlete, who did not compete last year, won it in an excellent 2hrs 40mins 49secs — almost 22 minutes ahead of second placed David Willett, of the Southern Counties Veterans Athletics Club.

The former soldier's time also smashed his previous Isle of Wight Marathon winning time of 2.58.06 on his debut in the historic event.

Chris Elliott, unattached to any club, from Newport, came third in 3.03.55.

Gary Marshall. (Image: Paul Blackley)

A group of Isle of Wight Road Runners athletes. (Image: Paul Blackley)

Ryde Harriers trio Graham Gardner, left, Wayne Matthews and Stuart Backhouse. (Image: Paul Blackley)

The first woman to finish was Claire Angell, also of Ryde Harriers, who clocked 4.07.36 and 27th overall.

Carolyn Littleton, of the Isle of Wight Road Runners, was the next Islander home in third, with a time of 4.19.51.

The men’s team event winners were Ryde Harriers, their trio comprising Marshall, Wayne Matthews and Stuart Backhouse.

Jen Gallop, of the Isle of Wight Road Runners. (Image: Paul Blackley)

Caroline Curliss and Louise Morris, of the Isle of Wight Road Runners. (Image: Paul Blackley)

The Harriers also won the women’s event, with a team comprised of Angell, Sarah Cass and Natalie Rose. 

Entries were down on previous years.