The 37th Abingdon Marathon started at 9 am on Sunday October 20th 2019. The day was fresh and dry.
Among the 1150+ entries there was one well known Abingdon runner going for a Santa marathon running record, and another runner going for the pyjamas marathon record.
The race started and finished at the Tilsley Park Athletics Track and followed much the same course as previous years, starting along Dunmore Road, going via Radley Lakes then through Abingdon Market Place.
There were lots of people cheering the runners along the route. East St Helen Street did Abingdon proud.
Some runners came from Abingdon. Others came from further afield.
There were about twenty from Egdon Heath Harriers in Dorset.
Abingdon, and the River Thames, provide an interesting backdrop for the race. One of the new sponsors this year is Abingdon’s latest hotel, The Garden Hilton – they offered a 10% discount on their best rate for runners, family and friends
After Abingdon town centre the route went out on a two lap route passing through the villages of Drayton, Milton, and Sutton Courtenay before returning back.
Time passes and we return to Tilsley Park …
The winner was Jonathon Pool from the Serpentine Club in London.
The second place runner was Sean Edwards of the Lytchett Manor Striders, in Dorset.
Santa Claus, of Abingdon Athletics Club, finished in 2 hours 49. I have googled and the fastest Santa Claus marathon was 2 hr 54 min. We will have to wait and see but that could be a new world record.
There was a great welcome back to the Tilsley Park stadium for the runners, particularly when they had family and friends.
The first lady home was Emma Navesey, of Hayward Heath Harriers, in 2 hours 57. Hayward Heath is in Sussex.
Every year Sussex Sports Photography take pictures round the course of all the runners. Last year they published over 31,000 photographs of the event.
Richard Baskerville finished in 2 hours 57 and may have broken the pyjama marathon record. He was running to raise money for the mental health charity Jonathon’s Voice.
Marshalls did a fantastic job both directing and cheering people on.
Lots of Abingdon Groups and individuals were helping as marshalls including the Lions (featured yesterday). The underpass is the steepest incline, and the marshall at the top was playing maracas to encourage people up.
The original Abingdon Marathon is painted on the wall of the underpass. Every year the runners pass their forebears. Sophie, number 910, finished in 3 hours 34.
There were 788 finishers and the last one clocked in at 5 hours 22. An amazing effort to all involved!
