From brutal headwinds to hot sunshine, PBs to club records, debut marathons to World Major qualifying standards — what a month of performances! 👏
Boston UK Marathon — 12th April
First up was Michelle Tafili, battling 30mph head/cross winds for almost the entire course. Resistance running at its finest! Despite the conditions, Michelle produced a 3-minute PB, finished top 10 in her age group, set a Walton club age group record, and secured a London 2027 GFA time in 3:38:14.
Brighton Marathon — 12th April
On another gusty course, Adam Lomax delivered a brilliant marathon debut, smashing through the sub-3 barrier in 2:53:28 — just one week after racing his first ever half marathon!
Newport Marathon — 19th April
Our most experienced marathon runner, Mandy Ruks, took to the streets after a long and intense training block. Mandy secured GFA times for most Abbott World Marathon Majors, finished top 10 in her age group, and crossed the line in 3:28:53.
London Marathon — 26th April
Taking on one of the biggest of them all — and once again, the weather had a say, with bright, hot sunshine throughout.
First home for Walton was experienced marathoner Craig Jarman, running a strong 2:47:42, showing the rewards of a rigorous training block.
Next, Charlotte Ryan smashed the senior ladies club record by over 25 minutes, crossing the line in 2:51:25. An 8-minute PB and another Championship qualifying time — an incredible performance.
Charlie Pedlar stood his ground and didn’t let the heat beat him, finishing strongly in 3:17:17.
And after racing Newport just one week earlier, Mandy Ruks returned to London for her “cooldown”! Soaking up the atmosphere, celebrating her fantastic achievement, she cruised round in 4:26:36.
Salzburg Marathon – 17th May
One of Waltons newest members Elise Brockhurst ran an impressive 13min personal best, finishing 2nd in her age group and a top 10 female finish overall with a time of 3:11:06.
Paul Davie also made a great pb, showing phenomenal consistency in several distance pbs already this season, cruised across the line in 3:01:52.
Cape Town – 24th May
Finishing the spring marathon season, and signalling summer, one of our youngest distance runners, Megan Newton stepped up her game to complete her first ever marathon. Finding her stride, smiling all the way, she crossed the line in 4:04:10!
We celebrate these results with pride, knowing they gave their all.
Well done, athletes. Time for some track!
🖤💛❤️💛🖤
