Hartlepool Burn Road Harriers pair in Greater Manchester Marathon success

Hartlepool Burn Road Harriers Paul Wilson and Julie McGrath took part in the 40th Asics Greater Manchester Marathonl.
Paul Wilson in action during the Greater Manchester MarathonPaul Wilson in action during the Greater Manchester Marathon
Paul Wilson in action during the Greater Manchester Marathon

Almost 10,000 runners lined up to take on the 26.2 mile road race.

Paul had trained very well for the event and his recent podium position at the Hull 20 Mile Road Race held him in good stead for a 2:37 marathon, if everything went to plan.

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Paul suffered greatly in the latter stages of the race at Hull, ending up running the final three miles in one trainer and his foot had not healed sufficiently well to see him through the Manchester Marathon pain free.

Realising this, Paul held on to his pace extremely well. He had passed through 10k in 35 minutes and the half marathon mark in 1 hour 16, but eased up slightly in the latter stages to finish his run in an exceptional time of 2 hours and 43 minutes in 45th place.

A couple of minutes outside his personal best over the 26.2 miles, there is no doubt Paul will run a sub 2:40 marathon soon.

Julie McGrath had also trained well, completing the Locke Park 20 Miler in 3:57 last month, she had a great time running the Manchester Marathon and crossed the line in 5 hours and 49 minutes. A great result.

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On the same day, Karl Edwards raced the Sand Dancer 10k hosted by South Shields Harriers.

Some 400 runners raced the 6.23 mile distance, with Karl winning the Vet 60 prize with ease with a great run, crossing the finish line in 40:14 in 38th place overall. Another fantastic result for one of Burn Road’s top runners.