Beaney runs the distance

Rebel Runners Medway’s

Paul Beaney ran his first marathon distance by accident.

Beaney intended to do 10 miles but just kept on going and he even managed to fit in a Co-op meal deal on his way through St Mary’s Island. Preparation wasn’t key on this occasion, with a Mexican meal and some beers the evening before, but Beaney managed to keep on going. He said: “When I got about six miles in I felt good and decided to press on and get some elevation into the run. This surprised me as I had spent the day before having a few drinks with my wife at the local pub and some Mexican food.

“Once I had got the elevation done I found myself at Medway Services, having run up from The Strand and Riverside to Motney Hill waterworks, which gave me chance for a quick loo break and to get some more hydration in. From there I knew I was going to try and run the full 26.2.”

Beaney set off for Rochester but admitted he was starting to struggle.

“Maybe the beers from the day before were catching up with me,” he joked.

“I stopped at Costa and had a much needed orange juice. Before heading back for Chatham and St Mary’s Island. Here I think I began to hit the wall and I was cramping up all over the place but fortunately I was found by fellow Rebel, Jenny Baldock.”

It was the lift he needed and he got further encouragement by seeing other Rebels around the island but there was still time for another refueling.

He said: “With six miles left I popped into the Co-op and had a meal deal but I had to keep walking whilst I ate as I didn’t want to seize up. This hit the spot and I can highly recommend the caramel shortbread!”

His run, which included a couple of walk breaks, ended in a time of five and a half hours.

Fellow Rebels were also taking on marathon distances and for Marie Debont-Booth she managed four over a 10-day period.

Her goal is to complete 50 marathons runs in her 50th year and she has 19 more to complete. On Saturday she completed number 30th at the Suffolk Great Barrow challenge before completing another at Bettshanger the following day.

Jimi Hendrick clocked up his 244th Marathon at the Vanguard Way event.