By Isle of Wight Observer
On Sunday, 191 runners set off from the Isle of Wight Community Club, in Cowes, to tackle the 26.2-mile circuit to West Wight and back.
The course took in the undulating town and rural roads of Cowes, Gurnard, Rew Street, Porchfield, Shalfleet, Yarmouth, Thorley, Chessell, Ningwood, Shalfleet, Porchfield, Northwood, finishing back in Cowes.
Organised by Ryde Harriers, the race saw early drama as clubmates, Gary Marshall and Chris Newnham, battled for the lead. Chris pulled ahead at mile 16 and crossed the line just outside his London Marathon time of 2h 26m.
However, GPS data revealed Chris had inadvertently taken a shortcut, altering the final result. Gary was therefore awarded the win – his third Isle of Wight Marathon victory (2018, 2022, 2025) – and set a Vet 40 record with a personal best (PB) of 2h 31m 57s. Chris, using the race as a warm-up for Verona Marathon, will have another shot at his PB in six weeks.
Junior runner Edwin Redhead, whose father won the race a decade ago, claimed second in 2h 45m 51s. Third went to Ryde Harrier Daniel Furmidge (2h 56m 49s), running his first marathon after a 30-year break. Louis Forster of Newport was fourth in 3h 0m 41s, battling a strong headwind.
Jemima Renfer of Highgate Harriers was first female setting a new Vet 35+ record.
IW Road Runners won the men’s team prize, while 100 Marathon Club edged Ryde Harriers in the ladies’ category.
Now in its 69th year, the Isle of Wight Marathon also marked the 50th ladies’ race.
Isle of Wight Observer