Race Report: Milton Keynes Marathon, UK, 5th May 2014

This race report was sent to us by Andy Hully at PB Running Limited:

Skechers Performance Milton Keynes Marathon hailed a huge success

The third Milton Keynes Marathon, sponsored by Skechers Performance, has been hailed a huge success.

Over 3,000 runners signed up to take part in the 2014 event, which took place on Bank Holiday Monday 5th May. And thousands of spectators, supporters, charities and volunteers lined the streets and Redways of Milton Keynes as the runners made their way around the picturesque 26.2 mile route that started and finished at stadiummk.

The honour of winning the Skechers Performance Milton Keynes Marathon went to Rick Lloyd from Stockport Harriers who completed the marathon in a time of 2:43:25.
A number of local runners also finished in the top 15 including 3rd Jamie Farmer in 2:47:19 of David Lloyd Redway Runners, 5th Stephen Richardson in 2:50:07 of David Lloyd Redway Runners and 15th Chris Brookman in 2:55:28 from MK Lakeside Runners.

The first woman home was Sarah Hill from Farnham Runners who crossed the finish line in a time of 3:00:21 to set a new course record.

Paul Sutherland completed his 100th marathon at the Skechers Performance Milton Keynes Marathon, finishing in a time of 4:47:39. To celebrate the occasion he was given race number 100 and a special presentation was made after he had crossed the line. Whilst completing their first marathon at the age of 80 was runner Robin Wilson who finished in 6:45:37.

Also completing her first marathon in 5:57:00 was Eilish Roberts. Eilish started running in January 2012 when she enrolled on the couch to 5k with Leighton Fun Runners, but having completed her first half marathon in September she set herself the challenging target of running the Skechers Performance Milton Keynes Marathon as it was her local marathon.

Several runners, including Stephen Richardson and Jen Sangster, were completing their second marathon in just a few weeks. They’d previously run another marathon, such as the Greater Manchester Marathon and the London Marathon, but were determined to run in their home city marathon.

In addition to the marathon, the new MKM Half Marathon was added to the event for 2014. Over 2,000 runners signed up for the 13.1 half marathon. The MKM Half Marathon was won by Ismail Ssenyange who raced across the finish line in a time of 1:08:35. First lady home in the half marathon event was local runner Jane Ovington from Marshall Milton Keynes Athletics who finished in 1:23:01. Both Ismail and Jane have set the course record for the new MKM Half.

The Geoffrey Leaver Corporate Challenge saw teams of four from scores of companies and organisations bidding to be crowned the county’s fastest firm. It was won by Geoffrey Leaver Solicitors 1. Stuart Snelson, Samual Seaford, Robert Green and Mile Thornhill won the 26.2 mile relay race in a time of 3:37:45.

However, the biggest cheers were reserved for the participants of the Superhero Fun Run, sponsored by Acorn Childcare. Superheroes of all ages and abilities ran, walked, hopped and skipped around the 1.5 mile route before crossing the finish line and receiving a shiny new medal.

The Skechers Performance Milton Keynes Marathon was named amongst the top 10 marathon races in the UK by readers of Runner’s World in January 2014 so it had a lot to live up to. Race Director, Andy Hully, said, “Today has been a fantastic day. It’s been full of great sporting challenges and fantastic support out on the course. The people of Milton Keynes can be very proud of themselves today.

“Among the scores of good causes to benefit from the event were the marathon’s charity partners Cancer Research UK, MK SET and St John Ambulance. In the last two years the event has raised over £1 million for deserving causes and I’m sure this will increase after this year’s event.”

The event is now established as a major date in Milton Keynes’ sporting calendar, and the organisers are now turning their attention to the 2015 and further sporting success.