The Purbeck Marathon 2015 is the best ever

Race report: The Purbeck Marathon & The Purbeck 16 - September 20, 2015

Photos: The Purbeck Marathon 2015 and The Purbeck 16 © Martin Payne

In its four years The Purbeck Marathon has improved every year and there is little doubt that the 2015 event was the best ever and it is certainly more than just a Marathon. The weather was almost ideal, a sunny day but with a light breeze to keep the runners cool. However, the rain of recent days meant that conditions were muddy underfoot in some places.

The winner of The Purbeck Marathon 2015 was Pete Roper from Poole AC in 3.18 followed by Gavin Pritchard in 3.27 and Scott Parfitt of Lytchett Manor Striders in 3.28. The women’s race was won by Jess Gray of Watford Joggers in 3.51, followed by Jennifer Ansell of East London Runners in 3.57 and Liz Goldsack in 4.11. The first local male was Kevin Watson and the first local female was Amy Grobbelaar. There were 299 finishers in the Marathon.

For 2015, the main Marathon was joined by The Purbeck 16, a shorter but no less challenging race. The men’s race was won by Chris Stockdale of Southville Running Club in 2.03 closely followed by Tomasz Mietki just 17 seconds slower and Sev Roberts of Stubbington Green Runners in 2.06. The women’s event was won by Olympic athlete Liz Yelling of Bedford & County in 2.16 followed by Helen Johnson of Bracknell Forest Runners in 2.36 and Paula Wright of Lytchett Striders in 2.37. The first local male was Tomasz Mietki and the first local female was Liz Yelling. There were 132 finishers in The Purbeck 16.

There was a great atmosphere at the finish area on Sandpit Field with plenty of runners and supporters staying long after the race for the presentations and to take in the wonderful atmosphere. As well as enjoying a beautiful day they were treated to great views of the historic paddle steamer Waverley arriving in Swanage.

Comments made by runners mentioned the beautiful scenery that made even such a difficult run a real pleasure. The 100+ volunteers around the course were far more important than just marking the route. Tired runners always appreciate encouragement and the support of the marshals is crucial to the runners’ performance and the success of the event.

Martin Payne, Race Director for The Purbeck Marathon, noted how the event had grown: “The Purbeck Marathon has improved each year and the addition of The Purbeck 16 has enabled more runners to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Purbeck. Many of the runners have completed the race several times and look forward to coming back. The runners have consistently praised the beauty and challenging nature of the course as well as the encouragement of the marshals around the course, many of whom are in position for several hours.”

The Purbeck Marathon 2016 and The Purbeck 16 2016 will take place on Sunday 18 September 2016. Entries should be open towards the end of October 2015. .

This marathon is a community event, put on by volunteers in order to share our favourite runs with you and to raise much needed funds for local charities and good causes. In 2014, we were able to donate £6,000 to these causes, a 50% increase on 2013. For 2015, volunteers have a direct say on how our funds are distributed to good causes. We will announce how much we have been able to distribute to local charities and good causes as soon as we have the final figures.

Men's marathon results

Women's marathon results

Click here for full results

Men's 16 mile results

Women's 16 mile results

Click here for full results