Jersey Marathon

Fulfilling plans to run the Jersey marathon first muted some years ago, the Tewkesbury RC marathon running pair of Angie Sadler and Phillip Howells finally managed to compete in this friendly and scenic event. Starting in the capital town of St Helier, the course quickly turns uphill for a few miles along the secluded reservoir valley before proceeding along some of the many lane-type country roads with long French names and via the airport to eventually descend back to sea level by the dramatic Corbiere lighthouse. It then finishes along the sweeping semi-circle of St Aubins Bay and its sandy beach back into the capital.

Angie finished with a time of 3.35.21 in 96th place and 11th lady overall in her 168th marathon. Phillip finished with 5.17.46 in 366th out of 402, so not last at least. It was something of a milestone event for him, being his 234th finish and leaving just 99 to do to achieve a lifetime target ambition of 333 marathons before retiring from them.

Jersey is a very enjoyable marathon. With cheap flights from Birmingham it’s recommended as great location for a weekend of sightseeing and running.

Methyr Tyfil Marathon

Another outstanding performance was produced by Angie Sadler in the inaugural Methyr Tyfil marathon held on a lovely October day along the Taff Trail in Mid Glamorgan. Angie finished as first lady and 13th overall in an excellent 3-32-29 on a quite testing course along the Merthyr valley. Club mate Phillip Howells also finished in 5-49-12 managing to be not quite last in 107th place of 110 finishers.