Athletics & Running Sports Section

European Police Marathon Championships

Istanbul - Turkey - November 2006

Central Division's PC Mike Riley is set to compete in the 2006 USPE marathon championships having run a tremendous 2 hour 46 marathon in Stratford-Upon-Avon in May.

European Police Marathon - Istanbul

Report by PC Mike Riley - Central Division

Having won the Police Sport UK Marathon in May PC Mike Riley was automatically selected to compete in the prestigious European Police Marathon that is held every four years. In November 2006 the event took place in Istanbul, Turkey. Central Division’s PC Mike tells his fantastic story of competing against Europe’s top marathon runners.

The team of seven UK Police runners flew out on Friday 3 November leaving behind a clear and sunny Manchester (for once), four hours later landing in Istanbul to a snow storm - so much for the Mediterranean climate.  23 countries had entered teams for the race and most were looking like they meant business. 

Snow ploughs were keeping the traffic moving as much as possible the following day whilst runners viewed some of the sights in the city.  Gale force winds and sub zero temperatures on the Bosporus raised concerns for the race the following day, however Sunday dawned clear and the wind had dropped to manageable levels.

The race started on the Asian side of the Bosporus crossing a six-lane suspension bridge onto the European side, surely one of the most spectacular race starts ever.

The course cut through the city centre before following a scenic route along the coast, doubling back to finish in the local football stadium. 

The UK ladies team had a brilliant race stealing the gold medal from France and winning the team event. 

The men’s team missed out on the medals being placed 9^th overall. However, the team had a good run, all finishing within six minutes of each other. 

The Turkish Police organised excellent post race festivities which extended (for some) until they set off for the airport at 5.30 am the following day thanks to the assistance of the Russian and Ukrainian teams who had brought with them a considerable supply of their local beverages.  As the Ukrainians can drink their local Schnapps with such gusto it is no surprise they were also the winning team - by comparison the marathon must have seemed easy.

Overall, an excellent event with good organisation and a very memorable weekend.

Results

PSUK Marathon Championships - May 2006 - Stratford

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