PICKERING Running Club’s Graham Robinson wrote his name into the history books at last week’s Yorkshire Marathon.
At 69 he became the oldest man in the world to complete a marathon whilst needing to use an oxygen tank, which he carried on his back around the course.
The rain and cold conditions made that task especially difficult, but he dug deep to finish the marathon in six hours and 40 minutes, raising money for the Asthma and Lung Foundation.
Graham was supported by Simon Tyrell, who ran the marathon alongside him carrying a spare oxygen tank, and other members of the running club who cheered him on along the way.
The marathon also marked the final stop of Andy Reeves’ seven marathons in seven days fundraiser in aid of Ryedale Special Families.
Despite a week of long-distance running in his legs, he crossed the finish line in four hours and 23 minutes.
They though were not the only Pickering runners to take part in the York-based marathon and 10-mile race, which takes runners from the University and past York Minster before heading out on quiet, undulating, rural roads.
Competitors had to battle against driving rain and strong winds, with some mile markers even blowing away in the gales.
First back for Pickering was Ryan Gaughan, whose time of two hours and 50 minutes knocked a full minute off his personal best. Chris Croft also finished in under three hours, delighted to cross the line in two hours and 53 minutes.
Paul Hickman knocked nine minutes off his marathon best in three hours and 38 minutes whilst Paul Simpson, despite suffering from cramp, wasn’t too far behind in three hours and 58 minutes.
Suzy Hodgson was very nervous about her first marathon but aced it, finishing in four hours and 43 minutes.
Simon Jones opted for the 10-mile option, with his quick time of one hour and five minutes placing him second in the M55 category.
Oliver Baxter wasn’t far behind in one hour and 12 minutes, followed by Kirsty Brown in one hour and 14 minutes and Julie Ventress in one hour and 24 minutes.
The organisers of the Scarborough 10k considered cancelling due to the weather, but bravely decided to go ahead in the hope that nobody was blown off the course.
The frontrunners missed the rain, but anyone taking over 45 minutes met the full force of Storm Ashley as they rounded the headland.
Ben Myers had a fantastic race to finish in 40 minutes and two seconds, closely followed by Richard Robinson 48 seconds later.
Paul Robinson’s time of 47 minutes and 23 seconds placed him first in the M70 category, whilst Dean Wise crossed the line in 61 minutes and 55 seconds and Nicola Wise in 65 minutes and 21 seconds.
The Gormire Gamble, the latest race in the Winter Series, also took place that Sunday.
Packing in 1,125 feet of climb, the six-mile route takes runners down and back up Sutton Bank twice, with descents not for the faint hearted.
Tom Pilley was first back for Pickering in an impressive 47 minutes and 11 seconds, placing him first in the M40 category.
Nick Outram wasn’t far behind in 51 minutes and six seconds, followed by Kelly Richmond, whose time of 54 minutes and seven seconds crowned her the third female finisher. Mike Wilson’s time of 60 minutes and two seconds placed him second in the M65 category.
Rich Johnson was next in 60 minutes and 51 seconds, followed by Karen Farmer-Scott, whose time of 61 minutes and 34 seconds saw her finish first in the F60 category. Lucy Saggers crossed the finish line in 65 minutes and one second, followed by Louise Bailey-Parkin in 65 minutes and 43 seconds.
Nicola Thorpe’s time of 65 minutes and 44 seconds placed her second in the F55 category, with Nick Cousins in 66 minutes and 28 seconds and Lynn Humpleby in 68 minutes and 52 seconds not far behind.
Sue Slack finished in 69 minutes and 41 seconds, earning her third in the F60 category, whilst Gemma Fearnley crossed the line in 71 minutes and 42 seconds and Serena Partridge in 72 minutes and 55 seconds.
Mike Hetherton’s time of 87 minutes and 39 seconds earned him first place in the M75 category.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here