St Magnus Marathon a resounding success

The St Magnus Marathon was a resounding success this afternoon as 108 runners competed in the UK’s most northerly marathon.

Thirty-seven-year-old Chris Hill from Inverurie became the first winner of the event, breaking the three-hour mark. Finishing in a time of 2:58:09, Hill finished just over two minutes ahead of Suffolk’s Adam Howlett.

First Orkney runner home was Hoy Half-marathon winner Tim Ross who finished in third place in a time of 3:08:36.

The first lady to complete the marathon was another local with Sally Wallis (nee Kirkland) from Stenness crossing the line at the Birsay Community Centre in a time of 3:30:02.

The runners were treated to a full complement of Orkney’s unpredictable weather climate, as the marathon started under cloud cover at the St Magnus Cathedral. Rain and a stiff breeze made conditions challenging, however the sun shone as the runners gradually completed the course in Birsay.

Reflecting back on his win, Mr Hill said it had been a scenic but tough 26.2-miles, particularly the second half of the marathon. Race director Ian Sutcliffe said the day had been a complete success.

Eighty-four runners also took part in the 5K Fun Run.

Full report and photographs in next week’s The Orcadian.