Race Report

 

The 2008 Police Sport UK Marathon took place in Edinburgh on Sunday 25 May. This was the first time the Police Championships had been held in the Scottish capital and attracted one of the largest number of police entries for many years.

 

A total of 99 entries were received, 70 men and 29 ladies. These represented 29 UK police forces. On the day there were at least 83 starters and 81 finishers.

 

There were some excellent quality times recorded including many PB's.

 

12 runners sub 3 hours

44 runners 3 hours to sub 4

14 lady runners sub 4 hours

25 runners 4 hours +

 

 

Simon Newton wins his 2nd

Police Sport UK Marathon

 

The weather was good. Fine, dry and sunny but strong easterly head-winds buffered the runners for much of the course.

 

Simon Newton (West Yorkshire) and Malcolm Fowler (Cheshire) were hot favourites and apparently battled for position for the first 20 miles. However, Simon broadened the gap and won the race in a tremendous 2.43.58 with Malcolm finishing 2 1/2 minutes behind. This was Simon's second successive PSUK Championship win and ran London in 2.39 only six weeks earlier.

 

Malcolm (Veteran 45) ran his last marathon in 1994 in 2.25 and made a return today finishing in 2.46.21 placed 1st Vet 40 and second overall.

 

Stuart Creetch (Avon & Somerset) had a great race finishing 3rd overall and was 2nd Male Open in 2.48.20 with Terry Fowler (Metropolitan) 2nd Veteran and 4th overall. Nigel Levett (Northern) was 3rd Male Open in 2.50.06.

 

Richard West (West Yorkshire) won the Veteran 50+ title with an exceptional time of 02.53.47 (8th overall). Third Veteran 40 was Mike Brooks (Lothian & Borders) in 3.00.49.

Malcolm Fowler - Cheshire

Winning Veteran

 

All 29 ladies who entered the Championships finished the race. Diane Lauder (Lothian & Borders) was first in 3.02.01. There was a close fought 2nd and 3rd and less than a minute separated Louise Cooper (Cheshire) and Rhona Fraser (Strathclyde) in 3.25.27 and 3.26.25 respectively.

 

First lady Veteran 35+ was Lorraine Gribben (Strathclyde) 3.26.25 with Julie Yeates (Cumbria) very close behind in 3.27.45 respectively.

 

In the Force team event (based on times) the first three male or female runners count. West Yorkshire took the trophy with the Metropolitan in second place and Lothian & Borders in 3rd position.

 

Lancashire Competitors

 

There were only two entries from Lancashire, Janine Fallon (Eastern) and David Wilkinson (Western). Unfortunately, Janine had to withdraw leaving David Wilkinson to represent the force. Dave had a great debut marathon race finishing in 03.37.57.

 

A final note that Championship rules state times should be based on 'gun' not 'chip' time.

 

Congratulations to everyone who took part and hope you enjoyed the weekend. The 2009 Police Sport UK Championships will be held in September/October 2009 at a venue to be decided. I will look forward to meeting you then.

 

Yours in Sport,

 

Steve

SC Steve Broadbent

Police Sport UK Athletics Committee

 

Avon & Somerset's Stuart Creech 2nd Male Open	West Yorkshire's Richard West wins Vet 50 title	Lothian & Borders Diane Lauder wins the ladies title	Metropolitan's Terry Fowler 2nd Male Veteran

 

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