Manchester Marathon Race Report

It was a day of triumph, challenge, celebration and ecstasy at yesterday’s 2024 Adidas Manchester Marathon.

RRC were represented by 6 courageous athletes who made the journey over the penines with the total number of runners in excess of 32 000.

First home for the club was marathon specialist Matt Hamer who overcame a troublesome build-up to post a time of 3 hours 26. Hot on his heels, and making her debut at this distance, Laura Mann exceeded all expectations to post a time of 3 hours 27. Brilliantly coached by our very own Graham Dodd, she said “absolutely loved it, my first marathon and I can’t wait to do another which is a good job because I achieved GFA for London and Boston USA!! I’m still bloody smiling!!”

Another with a fantastic time was Oliver Bellis who crossed in 3hours 39 to earn his medal and the ever improving Lauren Beasley, claiming a superb PB with a time of 4hours 37. She said afterwards “hadn’t ever imagined achieving a PB, my plan was to support Angela however at mile 9 she told me to leave her and go get one so that’s what I did! I felt confident and strong and ran every mile with a smile on my face. Loved every second of the day from supporting Angela to being able to achieve what I thought would be impossible”

Making her club debut, April Farthing crossed the line in a brilliant 5hours 15 soon followed by the inspirational Angela Wright in 5hours 26, who commented “my first official marathon race, I’ve ran the distance previously so was determined to achieve a PB, soon realised I couldn’t keep up with Lauren so sent her on her own PB hunt with my blessing. The training worked and I managed to run 48 minutes faster!! Fab course, ace support and an amazing

mentor “

For all those that took part, the finish line was just the beginning……. the beginning of forever being able to say “I’m a marathon runner”

From pure elation to agonising pain and everything in between, the marathon is the beast that takes so much……. but gives back so much more.

Hands up for next year anyone????