By Isle of Wight Observer
Ryde Harrier, Matt Sharp, is the new Marathon Champion of England, after an outstanding run in the Manchester marathon.
In a field of over 36,000 athletes, Matt was in the lead group right from the gun on the fast flat Manchester course. As they reached the 35km (22 mile) point, it was down to four men as Matt moved into the lead. Josh Griffiths, from Swansea Harriers, then moved to catch Matt who was just starting to tire. Josh Griffiths won in 2h 16m 56s, with Matt second in a fast 2h 17m 22s.
The Manchester Marathon incorporated the English Championships, and as Griffiths is Welsh, Matt took the title and winning medal.
Coach, Geoff Watkin, said: “This was an outstanding run from Matt, who has very limited time to train as he works full-time as an electrician. He has so much natural ability, and has developed this as his time as an international triathlon in his younger years.
“We believe that this time is a Ryde Harriers and Island record; we have records stretching back over the last 45 years.”