There were 747 runners started in the Abingdon Marathon at 9am this morning. The course has not changed much in recent years.

It starts at Tilsley Park. Goes to Radley, and then Abingdon Town Centre, then twice round a circuit of South Abingdon, Drayton, Milton, and Sutton Courtenay, before returning to Tilsley Park.

Refreshments were provided for spectators, at the bottom of Preston Road, by the supporters of one runner, running for the charity Bliss – ‘working to provide the best possible care and support for all premature and sick babies and their families.’

There were lots of ways to encourage the runners.

Hooters and clapping,

and notices saying ‘Come on Daddy.’

The leading two runners , 473 Ben Fish, from Blackburn Harriers,

 and 1037, Matthew Bennett from Southampton AC, opened up quite a gap on the rest of the field

Coming in on 2:26:53 and 2:26:59.

First lady runner I saw running in was, 210, Lucy Hodgson from Newquay Road Runners, but I’ll have to check that.

More pictures on the Abingdon Blog Facebook . Congratulations to the organisers and all the marshalls for an excellent event.