Five members of Beverley Athletic Club travelled down to Oxfordshire at the weekend to take part in the Abingdon Marathon. It was a very successful trip for the club as James Pearson finished in third place and Steve Peacock and Ian Husband both finished in the top ten in their respective age categories.
Conditions were perfect for running and the fast flat course attracted a field of more than 700 runners from clubs all over the country.
Running in only his second marathon, James Pearson finished in 2.36.51, almost six minutes faster than his first marathon in Chester in May. He led the race for the first 19 miles but was unable to keep up when the eventual winner increased the pace.
A modest Pearson commented afterwards: “It was a great day for the club. Steve Peacock and Neil Bant also had fantastic runs.”
Peacock has run in Abingdon several times and had recommended the race to club mates wanting to challenge themselves on a fast course. He had a great run this year, finishing in 2.47.02 and in 21st place. He was also ninth in his age group and five minutes faster than last year.
It was Neil Bant’s second attempt at the marathon distance and he was determined to improve on his last performance. He trained hard for the event and was delighted to finish in 2.58.06.
Ian Husband finished seventh in his age group and set a new personal best time of 3.09.45 while Stuart Little finished in a commendable 3.06.24.
With the London Marathon to look forward to in April next year Beverley Athletic Club’s marathon runners will enjoy a short break before embarking on their training programmes for London. They will all want to build on their achievements in Abingdon and run even faster in London. Pearson’s target is sub 2 hours 30.
Beverley Athletic Club finishing times:
James Pearson 2.36.51; Steve Peacock 2.47.02; Neil Bant 2.58.06; Stuart Little 3.06.24; Ian Husband 3.09.45.
The race was won by Colin Paton of the Army Athletics Association in 2.33.48. The first lady to cross the line was Helen Teranowski of West 4 Harriers in 2.53.52.
Photo by Annette Pearson
