England Athletics marathon champions crowned
The England Athletics Marathon Championships returned to the largest ever Manchester Marathon for a beautiful spring day, as more than 40,000 runners raced through the streets of the city, with the England Champions crowned by the finish of the stunning Manchester Museum.
The athletes couldn’t have asked for better conditions, with barely a breath of wind and blue skies. Yohan Lidove of France, and Naomi Robinson (Daniel Robinson, Birmingham Running Athletics and Triathlon Club) won the male and female races respectively, while Callum Hall (Leeds City AC) became wheelchair champion.
Reflective of the electric atmosphere that lined the 26.2 miles, the men’s race was competitive right to the end, with a large group of elites that gradually whittled down to a handful as Charlie Brisley (Newham & Essex Beagles) started to push the pace at halfway through the 35k mark. It was then that Yohan Lidove pulled away for the win in 2:15:19, as Will Strangeway (Lincoln Wellington) came through for second place overall in 2:15:42 to claim the England title.
The women’s race saw recently crowned 50km World Champion Naomi Robinson take control early on, pulling away for a fantastic solo performance to take the England title with 2:36:56 and adding to her 2023 Manchester Marathon win. Heather Townsend (Joseph Townsend, Leeds City AC) came home in second following a very strong late challenge, closing the gap on Robinson, finishing in 2:37:40. Eilidh Bell (Leeds City AC) finished off the England podium, crossing the line in 2:44:23.
England Athletics Marathon Championship results
Men
- Gold: Will Strangeway (Lincoln Wellington Athletic Club)
- Silver: Charlie Brisley (Newham & Essex Beagles)
- Bronze: Alex Carter (Team Bath Athletic Club)
Women
- Gold: Naomi Robinson (Birmingham Running Athletics & Triathlon Club (BRAT))
- Silver: Heather Townsend (Leeds City Athletics Club)
- Bronze: Eilidh Bell (Leeds City Athletics Club)