There really is something magical that fills the air when we hit the period of marathon majors. 2022 has seen all six majors back on the calendar, with some runners finally getting to run their victory laps that they first set their eyes on in 2020. This year has seen Toyko in March, Boston in April, Berlin in September, London (usually April) and Chicago in October and New York to complete the set taking place in November.

The first Ivanhoe Runner to toe the line at a race in the coveted Abbott series was wonderwoman Fiona Betts. Our superstar made the most of her visit to Berlin with visits to Grosser Stern and the Reichstaf and even caught some of the roller skating action round the streets taking place the day before. But the Sunday was of course the main event, and she added her fifth to her collection in style with an impressive clocking of 3:51:21. Watch out for Fiz gaining that final piece of the puzzle in Tokyo in March 2023.

Just a week later, we were treated to a real spectacle down in the capital as the London Marathon did it’s usual of putting on a show and a half. Not only were a mighty 16 of Team Ivanhoe lacing up their trainers, but a big contingent travelled down to the big smoke to give them all the encouragement their voices could muster.

Abby Halcarz was our first to pass the finish line along The Mall, awarded with a personal best of over 5 minutes and finished the race an astonishing 25th in the non-elite race. Huge congratulations Abby. Next home also breaking the three hours barrier was endurane king Ramzi Sidani, finishing the 26.2 miles in an impressive 02:55:14.

Paul Woods had a phenomenal performance, exceeding his own expectations and running a good for age time of 3:03:44. Alastair Burgwin was next in 3:08:11, fresh off the back of his amazing effort at the Bilbao European Age Group Triahtlon Championships, what an amazing couple of weeks for our Al. Donning his yellow SDRR vest but also part of the furniture here at Ivanhoe, Mark Harriott had a great run in 3:10:59, getting his legs ready for another 26.2 roll out Stateside only a week post London.

Rupert May completed his first marathon on the blue team, and had a superb run in 3:13:52. No stranger to the marathon distance, Emily Wideman yet again showed us she’s made of strong stuff, running a London Good for Gare and Boston Qualifying time of 3:30:26, as did Clare Wood, who positively flew to the finish in a new personal best time of 3:34:20. Superhuman Andy Jeyes ran an eye-watering 3:54:28, a whole hour within the time needed for a 2023 Good for Age place.

Amelia Monaghan had only ran a marathon previously solo when in 2021 London marathon offered a virtual option. 2022 saw her storm to success on the big stage, achieving her sub 4 target in 3:56:05. Paul Averillo was also out for a 26.2 debut after securing a place in the ballot, and after a super solid training block Paul more than deserved the amazing time he achieved of 4:13:56.

Jason Green had a difficult journey to the marathon after an unexpected coronary stent in June of last year. When his wife Ruth was drawn out of the ballot, they joined forces, raising £2000 for The Laura Centre. He said “I’ve learned to make the most of life as you never know what’s round the corner. He crossed the line having ran his favourite 26.2 to date in a fabulous 4:59:04. Ruth has had challenge after challenge to overcome since the pandemic hit, but no matter what plot twist was thrown her way, inclusive of a broken foot, she was determined to get round those London streets. She completed what she described as the most emotional race of her life in an incredible 5:28:18.

Teresa Talbott tapered well for her miles of smiles around the city, and did extremely well in a time of 5:09:48, whilst Martin Yeomans completed his 17th spin around the capitals main event, but the first time on the red wave, and finished in 5:18:40. Our sweet 16 were completed with Allie Sturla completing her first marathon as a proud member of Ivanhoe and passed through the glorious sights of London in 6:48:55.

Written by Emily Partridge - last updated on 06/11/2022