ABP Southampton Marathon & Associated Events

The Southampton Marathon is a must do for many in WADAC being our local big city marathon and offering a full festival of events over various different distances on the day. It has enough "big event" flavour to feel special and it's on our doorstep.
nThe course divides opinion - on one hand a real challenge with significant climbs late in the race and open sections exposed to the elements whilst on the other hand the touristic opportunity to visit some of Southampton's more iconic landmarks. How about using the Guildhall as a baggage drop and the Guildhall clock as a race clock as you chase that time target? Running over the Itchen Bridge and through the St Mary's stadium? Old city walls and city parks?
nSo to yesterday's event....bright sunny and chilly to start, warm by the finish and windy throughout....not an easy day so congratulations to all that took part. The full results are available here but in a long list of notable performances we had:
nMarathon Dave Gaskell 3rd o'all & 2nd Age Cat in 2h46'35Steve Oliver 3rd Age Cat
nHalf MarathonPaul Boyd-Leslie 1st Age Cat in 1h23'22Alan Tulip 4th Age Cat
n10kDavid Comb 4th o'all & Ist Age Cat in 36'26
nThere were PB's and "first attempt" efforts scattered through our ranks but perhaps the performance of the day belongs to Wayne Bevan for his World Record attempt....fastest marathon by a postman. Given the course and conditions not many would choose Southampton yesterday for an attempt on a world record (especially one that requires hat, tie, waterproof jacket, long trousers, weighted satchel) but Wayne gave it a good go and only narrowly missed his 3h45 target. Tough but a great effort Wayne and we've all had fun engaging with your challenge.
nFinally a mention for Jackie Ducker acting as a pacer in the half (all these events need volunteers) and a thank-you to all the supporters making themselves heard - notably the HOHC just swinging by as part of their Sunday long run.