Stainland pair revel in capital marathon
Tanya Seagar and Ed Hyland turned in storming performances in this year’s 35th Virgin Money London Marathon. Rapidly clearing the crush of the startline, Seager was the 45th woman back in 02:55:45, finishing eighth in the f40-44 group.
Hyland’s 02:49:43 ensured he finished 749th overall and the 726th man home in a field of almost 38,000 runners.
Twenty- two Stainland Lions completed this year’s marathon – one of the biggest groups the club has fielded.
On a day which started cold and drizzly, conditions were perfect for racing with the famous London crowd roaring the runners on throughout much of the 26.2 miles.
Matt Higham was the third Lion over the finish line, finishing in sub-three hours in 02:58:29 – 1525th male runner back.
He was closely followed by Stainland’s coach Mark Pigford whose work contributed to some many of the amazing results.
Mark finished as 1597th man in 02:58:52. On his heels were David Hutchings just getting in under three hours (1761th man 02:59:44): Sean Thompson ( 1926th man 03: 01: 35), Ryan Thompson (2251th man 03:05:08) and Craig Miller ( 2620th man 03:09:03).
A powerful group of Stainland ladies were among the first 1000 ladies to fin- ish with stunning performances - Maggs Beever 186th (03:07:36), Sally Caton 267th (03:12:28), Rachel Cullen 387th (03:17:17), Susan Gledhill 673th (03:25:55), Maria Harron 715th (03:26:44) and Amanda Zito 814th (03:28:13).
Tony Mott and Mike Dunning both achieved the all important sub-four hour finish – Tony in 03:34:36 and Mike in 3:54:13.
Eleven members from Halifax Harriers also took part.
First back for them was Mark Crabtree in 2:58:36, followed by Craig Empsall 3:04:26 ( PB) and Andrew Wiggins 3:05:06.
Geoff Cumber had a good run, finishing in 3:16:24 (6th M65). The first Halifax Harriers lady to finish was Jenny Hopkinson 3:44:56 (PB).
Eliud Kipchoge won the men’s race in 2:04:42, closely followed by fellow Kenyan Wilson Kipsang 5 seconds later. The ladies race was won by Tigist Tufa of Ethiopia in 2:23:22.
Paula Radcliffe ran her final marathon before retiring and was the first British lady to finish in 2:36:55. Other Halifax Harriers finishers: Richard Plunkett 3:42:20, Joanne Helliwell 3:53:30, Simone McIntyre 3:55:23, Craig Barrett 4:20:37, Mark Gaughan 4:24:43, Jude Baines 5:02:40. Other Lions: Tim Walker ( 04: 01: 28), John Thompson (04:04:19), John Hirst (04:08:44), David Rushworth (04:27:58), Cheryl Carter (04:29:06), Sally Hackney (04:30:58), Alison Pearson (04:39:58) and Simon Gadd (04:52:07). Gavin Dodd and James Carville both withdrew. Stainland Lions also took on the Blackpool half marathon where brilliant sunshine made for a great run while comrades were shivering on the startline in London.
Craig Phillips led the Lions home in a fantastic 01:31:08, finishing 49 overall in a field of over 900 runners.
He was followed by Rebecca O’Neill, Joanne Cooke and Dawn Medlock.
Cooke took two minutes 16 seconds off her half marathon personal best and it will be interesting to see how she progresses in this category this year.
Dawn Medlock was third overall in her age category and O’Neill set another PB for the distance. Other Lions: Craig Phillips 01:31:08; Rebecca O’Neill 01:51:55; Joanne Cooke 01:56:01; Dawn Medlock 01:56:16