10 seconds into the race and last years winner Colin Paton had the lead.
At the Abbey Gateway, after about five miles, there was a leading group of three … 646: James Pearson from Beverley AC, 464: Stephen Male from Oxford City AC, and 89: James Bolton of Woodstock Harriers.
At about the half way point 464 and 646 had built up a lead over the following runners.
24 miles into the race 464 and 646 were still running together up West St Helen Street.
They were still running together back onto the Tilsley Park athletic track, but then Stephen Male pulled away, and finished with 2 hrs 31.
The first Abingdon Amblers AC athlete to cross the line had an amazing time of 2 hrs 36.
Here he is at the halfway point: Paul Fernandez. I think he finished third but am a bit worried I missed somebody in the 5 minute gap between 2nd and 3rd.
Despite running for Oxford City, Steve Male has a strong connection with Abingdon because he is the manager of our excellent running shop Fit2Run. He can often be seen running round Abingdon, I believe he lives at the Abingdon end of Radley.
PS, the results are now up and Paul did indeed come third. Sadly, Mick and Phil had to pull out – as I think did the Roman Emperor unless he shed the costume as I didn’t see him when I was marshalling half day down Peep-A-Day Lane.
Never mind 2 hrs 36. Irekon it would take me 2 days 36minutes. LOL