SEEMINGLY out of nowhere in the local athletics scene, young runner Joshua Price made his mark in Island sporting history by winning the 67th Isle of Wight Marathon on Sunday.

The U23 talent, a member of the Isle of Wight Road Runners Athletic Club, had a considerable lead to overcome before he beat last year's winner, ex-soldier Gary Marshall, of Ryde Harriers, in a time of 2hrs 48mins 32secs. 

Gary, a two-time winner of the Isle of Wight Marathon — the world's oldest continually held marathon race — and looking set for a hat-trick, came in an excellent second in 2.50.45.

As a consolation, Gary picked up the Vet 40 prize. 

Unseasonably warm autumn conditions made it a perfect day for spectators, but tough on the field of almost 200 runners.

The circular course took runners from the Isle of Wight Community Club in Cowes around the West Wight, via Porchfield, Shalfleet, Yarmouth, Chessell and Thorley.   

In the ladies' race, practically leading from the starting gun was Anna Smith-James, who won in 3.28.07 — as well as the Vet 35 category.

She beat Felicity Bull, from Godalming, by more than 13 minutes.

The first Islander was Liz Steward, of Apse Heath, who came in fourth in a creditable 3.50.39.

In the team events, Ryde Harriers won the men's and ladies' categories.

Gary, Keann Amin, who came third, and Wayne Matthews, seventh, won the men's accolade, while Sarah Cass, Donna Drobina and Natalie Rose claimed the ladies' prize.

Next year sees the 60th anniversary of the first fully ratified women’s marathon race in the world, which all began on the Island in 1964.