From Ash Winter…
Yorkshire Marathon 2024 took place in the aptly named Storm Ashley, everyone was drenched, the last 10km was into a headwind, finishing was a sweet release from a harrowing experience. I’d been awake since 5:30am, as I drove on the day, parking was a nightmare, never mind finding my car afterwards in a sea of silver vehicles. Yorkshire Marathon 2025 couldn’t have been more different, middling temperatures, a bit overcast, a nice hotel room in York allowing for a more civilised time on the alarm clock. Virtually all excuses for not getting a personal best had been shed, so it was time to deliver.
Thankfully, I did deliver. Improving on the 03:30 in 2024 and my previous marathon best mark of 03:18 at Manchester in 2022. Getting faster as I get older apparently. A steady start in and about York Minister, get to goal pace by halfway and see from there. Halfway in 01:39, then home in 01:37, left me basking in the smugness that only a negative split can provide. There was pain along the way, the long, undulating out and back between Dunnington and Stamford Bridge. Plus, that deadly hill in the 42nd kilometre that almost stops you in your tracks. Great support there though, plenty to draw energy from for the gallop down the hill to the finish. 03:16:15 was my chip time, which left a big smile on my face at the finish.
Enough about me though, loads of other Harriers smashed their goals as well.
Matthew Thackwray came 8th overall, 02:31:31, which I believe was his first race as MV40. Another mind-boggling time from an athlete having a fantastic year.
Jaysson Sawyer and Mark Bly went under 3 hours, significantly so in Jaysson’s case, with 02:53 and 02:59 respectively. Sub 3 is always a huge achievement. Jaysson also features in the Yorkshire Marathon magazine, a great story of overcoming adversity to excel as a runner and hopefully qualify for England Masters too.
Andrew Marshall was next home, with an excellent 03:18, in what I believe was his first marathon! What a great performance. We were close for most of the race, but I just managed to get and stay ahead.
Luke Watkeys hit a long-held goal of sub 3:30, expertly paced by Johnny McKenna, crossing the line together with 20 seconds to spare. Good to see Harriers helping each other to hit their goals. Charles Wain was next in 03:32, another big personal best on the day.
Honourable mention as well for Mark Gill, not a personal best on the day due to injury but still a great performance to honour the hard work he’d put into training. I am certain he will be back for another go at improving his marathon best.
Kudos too to Daniel Thompson and Esmaeil Zadeh too, ducking below 04:30 and 05:00 respectively to round off an excellent day!