Michael Aldridge was first over the line at the MK Marathon (6 May) – a highlight of an outstanding race from start to finish. It contributed to a successful weekend for everyone involved.
The 26.2 mile race was part of the Rightmove MK Marathon Weekend held on Sunday 5 May and Monday 6 May in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire. It was the best weekend in its history as record numbers of runners, some from the USA, Australia and Canada took part in the Rocket 5K, Half Marathon, Marathon Relay, Marathon and Superhero Fun Run. The large number of entries was matched by the equally large crowds that were the biggest to date.
Multi-marathoner Steve Edwards, completing his 867th marathon and recording a quirky new milestone of 777 under 3:30. and endurance star Adam ‘Tango’ Holland were amongst 2,000 entrants in the MK Marathon as official pacers. They followed a scenic route that included parks, lakes, villages and the Grand Union Canal and was, according to David Ross of Hermes Running, one of the nicest road marathons he had run.
There was a big stadium finish for Michael Aldridge of Wootton RR who won the feature marathon in 2:32:46. Things were tighter in the race for second and third with with Wojciech Kopec of Team Kopec finishing in 2:34:44; only two seconds in front of Phil Holland of Ampthill & Flitwick Flyers RC (2:34:46). Helen Mussen of Watford Joggers was the first female in 2:54:51.
Steve Edwards crossed the line in 3:28:33 to complete his 777th sub-3:30 marathon. Adam Holland finished in 3:33:24. There was endless praise for the organisation, course, marshals and crowds along with the cow-themed medals and the post-race party. Many of those plaudits were reserved for the marathon that lived up to its top 10 UK ranking.