Taking on the UK’s biggest marathon day

  • Lee Ellis
  • 13/05/2025

Sunday, 27th April 2025, was a significant day for many running clubs, and Alton Runners was no exception. This year, due to the late Easter weekend, both the Manchester and London Marathons took place on the last Sunday of April- making it the UK’s biggest-ever day of marathon running.

TCS London Marathon 2025

Alton Runners were represented by seven runners in the world-famous London Marathon, which saw a record breaking 56,640 participants take on the challenge of 26.2 miles around the streets of capital. As part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, the London Marathon is notoriously difficult to get into, making the achievements of our runners even more impressive. The weather on race day was warm and sunny, which is not ideal for running long distances. However, the vibrant atmosphere and supportive crowds along the route provided a significant boost to the athletes. 

Representing Alton Runners were:

  • Sam Larcombe: Despite missing out on a marathon personal best (PB), Sam finished in a phenomenal time of 02:47:23.
  • Rich Webley: Achieved a sub-3 marathon, an excellent accomplishment (02:59:54).
  • Andrew Lowton: Running his second London Marathon, Andrew smashed his PB and the Alton Runners’ Club Record (men’s V60) with a superb time of 03:14:37.
  • James Kidwell: Competing in his first marathon and raising more than £840 for Refuge, James achieved a great time of 03:30:49.
  • Marie-Lou Alemany: No stranger to long-distance running, Marie-Lou was the first Alton female to cross the London finish line in 03:50:03.
  • Richard Bravery: Completed the marathon in 05:40:40.
  • Caroline Hill-Trevor: Finished the course in 05:45:28 and has raised more than £2,600 for Horsfall House Care Home.

James Kidwell summed up his experience perfectly: “I've wanted to run the London Marathon for so long, so I'm ever so grateful to Alton Runners for making that dream a reality. I found myself getting quite emotional on the train journey to the start line (had to keep looking out the window). This was my first marathon, and I had been told about the amazing supportive atmosphere and how tough the final 10km can be by more experienced marathon runners, and boy were they right. I was lucky to have 10 friends and family members in the crowds supporting me, and who better to chat to first after finishing than friends from the Club doing a cracking job on the baggage lorries. I chose to run for Refuge and am proud to have raised vital funds for them, proud to have run on behalf of Alton Runners, and proud to say I'm now a London marathoner!”

Closer to home, Wendy Hall completed the London Marathon virtually by running around the streets of Alton for the full 26.2 miles, raising over £300 for the East Hants Young Carers programme (part of The King's Arms Youth Project). Wendy completed her marathon in 5:24:17 – an incredible effort considering she was running alone.

Wendy said, “Proud of marathon number four - running without the crowds is very different, but inner strength came from knowing I had support from so many people & the Young Carers Team in Alton have been amazing. Feet up time now!”

As well as our team of runners, Alton Runners provided a team of willing volunteers who helped runners find their baggage after they crossed the finish line on The Mall, outside Buckingham Palace. There are a total of approximately 6,000 volunteers in the different roles at the start, at all the different locations on the course and at the finish – it is a great way to be part of the atmosphere of the event.

One of the baggage volunteers, Terry Blake, said “Volunteers provide an essential role in the running of these events, which can only take place with their support. It’s a great fun day out in one of the poshest parts of London!”
 

 

adidas Manchester Marathon 2025

Meanwhile, 160 miles further north, five Alton Runners were lacing up to take on the Manchester Marathon. The adidas Manchester Marathon is known for its famous flat route, and incredible atmosphere. It is the 4th most popular in Europe with 36,000 runners.

  • Rachel Walsh: First across the finishing line, with a PB and new Club Record, achieving the much-coveted sub-3 marathon time (02:59:44).
  • Alistair Smith: Achieved a time of 03:00:39.
  • Christian Coles: Got a PB with a time of 03:05:06.
  • Benny Roddis: Finished in 03:20:53.
  • Gaz Thurtle: Flew around in 04:08:45.

Rachel Walsh shared her thoughts: “It is always a privilege to get to the start line of a marathon and complete the distance! It was a tough, very warm race; the last 2-miles I didn’t think I had it in me. So pleased to take over 7-minutes off my time from last year and achieve a sub-3-hour marathon! The event was amazing, with so many supporters out!”

Benny added, “A big shout out to my friends, family and of course Alton Runners who have supported me throughout this training block and spectating on the day – I couldn’t have done it without their support and encouragement. I loved Manchester and will be coming back soon”.