Athletes from U18 upwards can compete in the National Athletics League (NAL) though all athletes must use senior throwing implements and hurdles.

The NAL is the UK’s top athletics league so always a privilege to compete for the team. Sadly, a combination of peak exam period compounded by long travel led to a much-depleted team setting out for Yate. Our rivals had much shorter journeys. It turned out to be a glorious day, just short of being too hot, providing perfect conditions for competition. With only 13 men and 5 women in the team, many completed in the full 5 events allowed (3 events for U18). Our masters were out in force filling many spaces and bringing in much needed points. The team really pulled together providing huge encouragement for all athletes leading to a creditable 5^th place.

With apologies for any omissions, the team consisted of:

Women

Isabel Cherrett

Janet Dickinson

Seni Purnell

Nikki Sandell

Isabella Shepherd

Men

Simon Armstrong

Henry Bramwell-Reeks

Andrew Brown

Oliver Canavan

Ben Collins

Stewart Cotterill

Steve Cox

Stevie Kasparis

William Launder

Adam Nicholass

Josh Smith

Dante Thompson

Rob Woolgar

Notable performances included:

Nikki Sandell running almost continuously plus doing pole vault.

Our U18s preforming well with Will Launder winning Long Jump, Isabel Cherrett 3^rd in 3000m, Seni Purnell 2^nd in Long Jump, 5^th in Javelin and 6^th in 200m, Oliver Canavan 3^rd in 5000m.

Full results can be found on the Power of 10

Our officials were:

• Dave Clarke (timekeeper)
• Tim Hughes (starter’s assistant)
• Juliet Dobson (Field)

Team managers: Tim Hughes and Suzi Shepherd

The next NAL match will be on Saturday 11^th July at Bournemouth. Get this date in your diary if you want to compete in our top league.

Chloe Johnson leading in the 100m

Athletes from U18 upwards can compete in the Southern Athletics League (SAL) though all athletes must use senior throwing implements and hurdles. The SAL is our local senior league covering southern England. The team was impacted by peak exam period, so we were without many of our U18 and U20 athletes who normally thrive in this league. With seniors having no limits on the number of events (U20 max 5 events, U18 max 4 events one of which being a relay) the small team pitched in to cover a lot of events.

With apologies for any omissions, the team consisted of:

Women

Chloe Burrows

Isabel Cherrett

Janet Dickinson

Florence Dootson

Chloe Johnson

Nikki Sandell

Men

Henry Bramwell-Reeks

Stewart Cotterill

Steve Cox

Joe Haywood

Adrian James

William Launder

James Lelliott

Adam Nicholass

Manuel Stone

Dante Thompson

Notable performances included almost everyone for filling multiple events, including Janet who also officiated in field events while competing.

Full results can be found on the Power of 10

Our officials were:

• Dave Clarke (timekeeper)
• Janet Dickinson (field)

Team managers: Jemma Bates and Adam Nicholass

The next SAL match will be on Sunday 21^st June at Oxford.

Making her debut for the distance, Helen Beddoe took on the ABP Southampton Marathon

The ABP Southampton Marathon Festival once again brought thousands of runners to the south coast for a day of racing that featured a full marathon, half marathon, 10k and 5k. Among them were two Bournemouth AC members with very different objectives: Helen Beddoe tackling her first ever marathon and Jason Coltman making a welcome return to racing over 10 kilometres.

For Helen, reaching the start line represented the culmination of a remarkable twelve months of progress. One of the club’s most improved runners throughout 2025, she had transformed herself from a solid club athlete into a genuine force in local road racing.

Helen had made great strides since joining Bournemouth AC

At the beginning of last year she clocked 49:40 at the Bournemouth Bay 10k. By the end of August she had sliced more than six minutes from that mark, recording an impressive 43:29 at the Totton 10k. Her commitment was evident throughout the season, contesting numerous Dorset Road Race League fixtures and completing all six races in the Upton Summer Series.

Being a test that Helen hadn’t faced before, it would be interesting to see how she coped

The improvement there was equally striking. Starting the series with a time of 26:19 for the demanding 3.5-mile multi-terrain course, she steadily got quicker with every outing and rounded off the competition in 24:28, almost two minutes faster than her opening effort. Along the way she also reduced her 5k best to an excellent 21:06.

Although Southampton would be her first official marathon, she already knew she could cover the distance. Back in October she had successfully completed the Run to the Sea 50k, proving both her endurance and determination over an even greater challenge.

It was quite an undulating route which would add to the challenge for Helen

Preparations for Southampton had gone well. Helen opened her spring campaign with a 45:09 performance at the Bournemouth Bay 10k before enjoying the scenic Combe Gibbet to Overton 16-mile trail race, where she finished in 2:17 and claimed eighth female position, 52nd overall and third place in the W40 category.

Helen was aiming for a sub four hour time

The Southampton Marathon itself starts at Dock Gate 8 within the city cruise port before taking runners along the waterfront, past Mayflower Park and the ferry terminals before tackling the distinctive Itchen Bridge. Marathon competitors cross the bridge four times during the two-lap course, while also passing St Mary’s Stadium, Riverside Park, Southampton Common and many of the city’s best-known landmarks.

Helen settled into a controlled rhythm during the opening stages. At the first checkpoint, 4.5 miles into the race, she reached the timing mat in 38:38, placing 503rd overall and 45th female. By halfway she remained 45th woman, passing 13.1 miles in 1:57.

The hills took their toll in the end but Helen kept going

The second half proved considerably more challenging. However, as often happens in marathon running, patience and persistence began to pay dividends. By the 17.6-mile checkpoint she had moved significantly through the field, climbing to 440th overall and 36th female in 2:36:42.

Helen heads down the the finishing straight with a sub four hour time in sight

The closing miles were made tougher by a hilly section of the route. Like many runners around her, Helen found herself forced to walk some of the steeper inclines as fatigue took hold. Nevertheless, she kept battling forward and remained firmly on course for her primary objective.

Crossing the line on Above Bar Street in a chip time of 3:55:28, she comfortably achieved her target of breaking the four-hour barrier. Her debut effort earned 476th place overall from 1,501 finishers, while she was 44th female from 350 runners and 13th in the V40 category.

She wasn’t sure if she enjoyed it but she got the outcome she wanted

While pleased with both the result and the achievement, Helen admitted afterwards that she did not particularly enjoy the marathon experience and may prefer to concentrate on shorter events in future. Given the success she has enjoyed over 10k and 10-mile distances, that is perhaps understandable.

Jason Coltman was featuring in the 10k race

The marathon was won by Winchester athlete Andrew Greenleaf in 2:32:16. Goncalo Miguel finished second in 2:37:40, with Sean Barwick third in 2:39:34. The women’s race was won by Madisyn Dominy in 2:56:42, while former Bournemouth AC runner Helen O’Neile produced an outstanding personal best of 2:57:54 to finish second female and 20th overall. Kerry Riches completed the podium places and was first V40 athlete in 3:11:23.

Meanwhile, Jason Coltman lined up in the popular 10k race, which follows the waterfront before crossing the Itchen Bridge twice and, for the first time in the event’s history, takes runners through St Mary’s Stadium before finishing in the city centre.

After coming bac from three fractured ribs, Jason had to play it safe

The Bournemouth AC runner’s appearance was notable in itself. After suffering heart issues during 2024, he had understandably been forced to moderate his racing efforts. Encouraging signs emerged towards the end of last year when he recorded 44:50 at the Boscombe 10k, close to the personal best of 44:36 he had set at Round the Lakes in September 2024.

Jason heads down the finishing straight in St Mary’s Stadium

More recently, however, another setback had threatened his participation. Jason fractured three ribs in March in a go-karting accident at Silverstone and had been uncertain whether racing would be possible. A successful test run at parkrun the previous weekend gave him enough confidence to take his place on the start line.

Working in the marine industry, Jason was also running in support of Stella Maris, the charity which provides practical and pastoral support for seafarers around the world.

Jason celebrates as he reaches the finish line

Recognising the limitations imposed by his recent injury, he wisely resisted the temptation to chase a fast time. Instead, he focused on enjoying the occasion, soaking up the atmosphere around the course and distributing plenty of high-fives to fellow participants and spectators.

Even with that relaxed approach, he still produced a highly respectable performance. Passing the first checkpoint in 82nd position, he gradually worked his way through the field before finishing 74th overall from a huge field of 1,553 runners. His official gun time was 48:37, while his chip time of 47:05 secured eighth place in the V50 category from 113 competitors.

The 10k race was won by Niclas Olley in 32:37 ahead of Stanley Phillips and Aaron Froukhians. Hayley Weston was first female in 41:29, followed by Lucy Short and Indy Miller.

Jason was part of the Stella Maris charity team

Elsewhere at the festival, the half marathon was won by Even Bentzen Lovas in 1:12:24 ahead of Kieran Babbage and Henry Piper. Tina Christmann claimed the women’s title in 1:22:02 and finished 18th overall.

The 5k produced another impressive performance from young Theo Cobley of Poole AC, who won in 16:38 despite still being under 16 years of age. He narrowly held off Brandon Cuell, while Lucy Waterer was first female and 12th overall in 19:34.

For Bournemouth AC, however, the day belonged to Helen and Jason. One celebrated a successful first step into marathon running with a sub-four-hour debut, while the other demonstrated admirable resilience simply by returning to the start line after injury. Both performances reflected the determination and commitment that continue to characterise the club’s runners.

Paddy McCalister selected the Belfast City Marathon as his big Spring target race and he was looking to launch a sub three attempt

The search for an elusive sub-three-hour marathon continues for Bournemouth AC‘s Paddy McCalister, who tackled the Belfast City Marathon with high hopes after a strong training block but ultimately found the challenging course profile too much to overcome.

Having recorded a personal best of 3:04:55 at the Paris Marathon last year, Paddy arrived in Northern Ireland knowing he was not far away from the magical barrier. His preparation had gone well and there were plenty of signs that he was in excellent shape.

The first encouraging result came back in February when he produced a superb personal best of 1:07:15 at the Lytchett 10, despite the race forming part of a long-run sandwich rather than being a standalone target. He followed that up in March as Bournemouth AC’s sole representative at the Solent Half Marathon, again using the race as part of a longer training run and comfortably running inside marathon pace to finish in 1:28:24. Alongside those performances were a number of quality long runs, including a particularly impressive 22-mile session featuring 18 miles at an average pace of 6:53 per mile – exactly the sort of workout that suggested a breakthrough performance could be on the cards.

The Belfast course offered both opportunity and danger. Paddy opened sensibly with a 6:47 first mile before negotiating the predominantly downhill second and third miles in 6:41 and 6:46 respectively. It would have been easy to get carried away on the early descents, but he showed discipline and kept his effort under control.

A slight rise on mile four saw him record 6:52 before settling into a solid rhythm. Miles five, six and seven were covered in 6:44, 6:49 and 6:53, followed by splits of 6:46 and 6:49 for miles eight and nine. At that stage everything appeared to be progressing nicely.

Paddy gave it his all but in the end the hills got the better of him

The race then entered a prolonged uphill section and the challenge began to reveal itself. Paddy battled gamely to maintain his pace, holding around 6:50 per mile through the opening part of the climb before posting 7:11 and 7:08 miles. The effort required to keep moving at that speed on the rising terrain had taken its toll, however, and the wheels gradually began to come off.

His 15th mile was completed in 7:24 before he reached 16 miles in 7:16. The 17th mile took 7:43 and the race’s toughest climbing section followed. Those relentless gradients pushed him beyond eight-minute-mile pace and, although some welcome downhill sections eventually arrived, the damage had already been done.

As Paddy later reflected, by that point his goose was already cooked.

There was still work to do. A final incline during the 25th mile was negotiated in 8:15 before he dug deep to complete the last mile in 8:46 and bring his Belfast challenge to an end.

His finishing time of 3:14:15 was well outside both his sub-three ambition and his personal best, but the result should be viewed in the context of a course containing around 700 feet of elevation gain. It was a demanding marathon that punished anyone who got their pacing wrong or simply lacked the strength for the hills. Paddy came 505th overall out of 5,216.

Paddy’s Belfast City Marathon medal and customary pint of Guiness

Importantly, the training block was completed without injury and Paddy emerged from the race unscathed too. He was soon back running and training normally, giving him a solid platform for future marathon attempts. There will undoubtedly be more opportunities to chase that sub-three target and Newport has already been mentioned as a possible destination next year.

For now though, a summer of shorter-distance racing and a chance to enjoy the sport without the demands of marathon preparation may be exactly what is needed before another assault on the three-hour barrier.

At the sharp end of the race, Abay Alemu and Teadese Mamo were both credited with the winning time of 2:16:24, suggesting the pair were inseparable in a thrilling finish. Joshua Griffiths claimed fourth place in 2:18:01, while local favourite Jonathan Cornish, well known on the Dorset racing scene, produced a magnificent run to finish in 2:19:29.

There was also a remarkable achievement from Bournemouth AC junior coach Nick Marshall, who completed his third marathon in as many weeks while dressed as a giant screw to raise money for Prostate Cancer. Having already conquered Newport and London, Nick added Belfast to his growing list with a finishing time of 4:47:18. The challenge is not over yet either, with the Edinburgh Marathon still to come and Dublin now added to the schedule later in the year. Through both his fundraising efforts and the considerable media attention the challenge has generated, Nick has raised an impressive amount for a worthy cause while continuing to inspire the club’s younger athletes.

The YDL lower is another composite team comprising Bournemouth AC and New Forest Juniors with U14 and U16 athletes competing. Nice weather brought many podium performances, but also great work across the team to fill events resulting in a match win!

With apologies for any omissions, the team consisted of:

U14s

Lonnee Archibong

Zachary Armitage

Liberty Batt

Wilfie Bessant

Leo Bholah

Joey Cullis

Reuben Gates

Lara Brixton Lee

Khaleesi Mensah

Sofia Roscoe

Albert Skrzynska

Benjamin Trimby

Arthur Turner

Hugo Walker

U16s

Riley Austin

Mikey Bean

Junior Buron

Paddy Butler

Isabella Crawford

Eleanor Fisher

Issac Grey

Connor Grocott

Fin Hurst-Atkins

Jessica Long

Ben Lyon

Isla May

Sienna Munden

Callum Pearson

Ryley Polmeer

Imogen Pope

Sienna Pope

Logan Potter

Ava Richmond

Colm Robertson

Ellie Taylor

Thomas Taylor

Lola Thomasson

Notable performances included:

• Logan Potter in the top 10 athletes of the match by points for his hammer throw of 51.09m (in the Power of 10 UK10 target)
• Imogen Pope HJ 1.64m (in the Power of 10 UK10 target)
• Junior Buron 100m 11.30 (in the Power of 10 UK10 target)

Full results can be found on the Power of 10

Our officials were:

• Dave Clarke (BAC timekeeper)
• Adie Saunders (BAC field)
• Simon Saunders (BAC track)
• Janet Dickinson (BAC track)
• Dave McManus (NFJ field)
• Tina Wilding (NFJ field

Team manager: Bernard Buron (BAC), Tom Butler(NFJ) and Keira Everit (NFJ)

The next YDL lower match will be at Portsmouth on Sunday 31^st May.

After finishing second in last year’s North Dorset Village Marathon, Stu Nicholas was hoping to go one better this time round

One week on from the bright lights and big crowds of London, Dorset’s marathon faithful returned to something rather more rural, rugged and relentlessly undulating for race four of the 2026 Dorset Road Race League season — the ever-challenging North Dorset Village Marathon.

Starting and finishing at Sturminster Newton High School, this gloriously unforgiving tour of the Dorset lanes took runners on a winding expedition through Hinton St Mary, Marnhull, Stalbridge, Todber, Stour Row, Margaret Marsh, West Orchard, Farrington, Child Okeford and Hammoon. Quaint in postcard terms perhaps — but in marathon terms, a true grinder.

For Bournemouth AC, all eyes were on Stuart Nicholas and Katie Gunn.

Stu’s Bold Bid Falls Just Short

Fresh from a commanding victory at the Norfolk Marathon, where he clocked 2:46:52 on a course boasting over 1,000 feet of elevation, Stu arrived in North Dorset in formidable shape. Add in a blistering 16:03 parkrun PB at Poole and a 33:22 lifetime best at Stubbington earlier in the year, and confidence was understandably high.

After finishing runner-up here in 2025, Stu clearly had unfinished business.

And from the gun, he looked intent on settling it.

Stu faced competition from Twemlow Track Club man Chris Wood

Despite a testing opening four miles featuring plenty of climbing, Stu attacked the course with real conviction, tearing through at sub-six-minute-mile pace before settling into a still aggressive rhythm just north of that mark. Through ten miles, he was setting the agenda, handling the early hills with admirable authority.

A 6:23 on the notorious ninth-mile climb was followed by a 6:17, then a slick 6:07 downhill eleventh mile as Stu continued to press on the front foot. Through 15 miles, this was a brave, front-running display.

But North Dorset rarely gives without taking.

As the latter hills arrived, particularly the energy-sapping climbs around miles 19 and 20, the cost of that early ambition began to surface. Splits drifted, then drifted again.

Unfortunately for Stu, Twemlow Track Club’s Chris Wood was executing something close to marathon perfection behind him.

The race win proved a bridge too far for Stu in the end

Having gone out significantly more conservatively, Chris gradually cranked through the field with ruthless precision. Once he reached the latter stages, he unleashed a devastating sequence of miles, including a 5:45 24th mile, to reel Stu in, surge past and disappear.

It was a stunning piece of marathon running from Chris, who claimed victory in 2:44:54.

Stu, meanwhile, showed admirable grit to hold on for second in 2:47:15 — another excellent marathon against a very strong field, even if his post-race verdict that by mile 24 “the wheels belonged more on a clown car” suggested it had become something of a survival mission.

Even so, second place in a county championship race and another elite-level performance underlines what a superb season Stu is putting together.

Katie’s Courageous Battle

For Katie Gunn, this race carried a very different narrative.

London Marathon heartbreak had struck again just seven days earlier, with fuelling issues once more derailing her race after sickness intervened. The search for race-day nutrition that her stomach will tolerate remains an ongoing frustration.

Yet if last year proved anything, it’s that Katie possesses resilience in abundance. After similar London disappointment in 2025, she bounced back immediately to win North Dorset outright as first female.

It was another marathon outing that didn’t quite go according to plan for Katie

Could lightning strike twice?

Sadly, this time it wasn’t to be.

Katie battled gamely but her body simply wasn’t cooperating, and by mile 21 she was reduced to walking. In truth, she would likely have stepped off the course had logistics allowed — but with little option other than getting herself back to the finish, she dug deep and kept moving.

That determination saw her complete the course in 3:57:16 for 67th overall and 14th female.

Not the defence she’d hoped for, certainly, but in many ways an equally admirable display of toughness. Sometimes marathon running isn’t about times, positions or podiums — it’s simply about refusing to quit.

League Picture Tightens

Elsewhere, Victoria Pye of Egdon Heath Harriers strengthened her hold on the women’s individual standings with a commanding first female finish in 3:15:13, while current champion Emma Mogridge of Dorset Doddlers and Miranda Aldridge of Verwood Runners completed the podium.

In the men’s race, Mark Savage took third, while David Jones of Twemlow Track Club grabbed fourth and Poole AC’s Adam McCrea continued his excellent season in fifth.

Team-wise, the Dorset Road Race League tables remain fascinatingly poised. Poole AC continue to lead the Men’s First Division despite being denied victory here, while Egdon Heath Harriers strengthened their grip on the Ladies’ First Division.

For Bournemouth AC’s women, failure to field a team in the last two races saw them slip down to fourth in the table, with Purbeck Runners and Verwood Runners tied at the top.

Bournemouth AC Takeaways

North Dorset once again proved that this is a marathon where pacing, patience and resilience are every bit as important as fitness.

For Stu, there was plenty to admire in a brave and ambitious run that yielded another major result, even if the top step narrowly slipped away.

For Katie, it was a painful reminder of the marathon’s brutal unpredictability — but also another testament to her tenacity.

The roads may have been rural, but there was nothing quiet about the drama.

Jack Barwick and Katie Gunn were two of the 11 Bournemouth AC members competing at the 2026 London Marathon

The London Marathon is a race that strips everything back. It does not care for big training weeks, ambitious targets or glowing build-up races once the body begins to rebel in those final, unforgiving miles. For Bournemouth AC’s sizeable contingent, the 2026 edition produced a gripping blend of excellence, frustration, redemption and sheer bloody-minded determination.

There had been genuine optimism beforehand that this could be a landmark day for several of the club’s leading lights.

Rob McTaggart had looked ominously sharp in the build up. Winning the Lytchett 10 as part of a longer training outing was one thing, but following that with second in the Bournemouth Bay Half Marathon after already running ten miles beforehand suggested he was operating on another level. A 69 minute Fleet Half Marathon only reinforced the sense that something special might be brewing. A target in the region of 2:25 looked ambitious but by no means fanciful.

After a having a touch time in the heat last year Julian Oxborough was hoping for better

Dave Newman’s preparation had been equally eye-catching, albeit forged through relentless graft rather than headline-grabbing flourishes. Mileage peaking at a scarcely believable 160 miles per week spoke volumes for his commitment, while victory at the Weymouth Half Marathon in a windy 1:12 suggested the engine was finely tuned. Sub 2:30 was the dream.

Luke Martin had been flying in training and looked poised to produce a breakthrough performance, while James Hulbert, after his excellent 2:48 in the brutal heat of last year’s London Marathon, appeared primed for another bold showing.

Among the women, Louisa Rowland arrived fresh from a magnificent 2:59 in Barcelona and clearly in the shape of her life, while Katie Gunn was determined to banish the painful memories of last year’s ordeal when fuelling related sickness wrecked her race.

And then, of course, there were the club stalwarts, debutants and seasoned campaigners alike — all with their own stories to write.

Rob McTaggart was going all out for another fast time

At the sharp end, Rob McTaggart set out exactly as a man chasing 2:25 should. Clicking through 5k splits of roughly 17 minutes, he was moving at just under 5:30 pace and reached halfway in a superb 1:12:06. For 18 miles, the dream remained alive. Even as the pace began to edge beyond that early rhythm, Tag was still holding things together commendably. But marathon running at that level is a game of microscopic margins. One unnecessary surge to bridge a 100 metre gap to a group ahead ultimately proved costly. The effort drained precious reserves and, after 23 miles, the wheels came off. The final miles were a battle of survival rather than attack. Crossing the line in 2:29:38, Tag still secured a sub 2:30 and finished an outstanding 187th overall, 13th in his age category. For most, that would represent the run of a lifetime. For Tag, it was understandably tinged with frustration — the knowledge that he had more in him perhaps the hardest burden of all.

If Tag’s race was one of what might have been, Dave Newman’s was a masterclass in discipline and reward.

Dave Newman delivered a fine performance that justified the work he puts in

Dave executed his race with remarkable control, opening with 34:41 for 10k and maintaining a brilliantly measured pace throughout. While others around him undoubtedly paid for early enthusiasm, Dave’s huge training base came to the fore. His pacing barely wavered, and even in the closing stages he was still grinding out sub-18 minute 5ks. This was no dramatic collapse, no desperate hang-on. This was a man reaping the rewards of extraordinary preparation. Crossing the line in 2:28:51 and 157th overall, Dave not only broke 2:30 but did so with authority. It was richly deserved and one of the club’s standout performances of the day.

Louisa Rowland, meanwhile, may well have produced Bournemouth AC’s most polished run of all.

Louisa Rowland put in sensational display to finish in under 2:56

Backing up a sub three in Barcelona was never going to be straightforward, yet Louisa paced this race with intelligence, courage and class. Through halfway in 1:28:50, she looked composed, and crucially, she still had more to give. Rather than fade, she attacked. A brief wobble around mile 19 was swiftly corrected before she began moving through the field again, culminating in a magnificent 6:13 25th mile. That is not survival — that is racing. Finishing in a superb 2:55:46, Louisa not only smashed her Barcelona time but did so in style, finishing 139th female and confirming herself as one of the club’s premier marathoners.

It wasn’t quite the run James was hoping for but still a sub three

James Hulbert also deserves enormous credit. Bold from the gun and clearly unafraid to test himself, James ran aggressively through halfway before the inevitable attrition of the marathon began to bite. While he could not quite replicate last year’s 2:48, a 2:54:44 finish and 2,209th place still represented another excellent sub three. Not every marathon delivers perfection, but James once again demonstrated his quality.

James got round in 2:54:44

For Luke Martin, this was sadly a case of cruel déjà vu. Looking magnificent for much of the first half and reaching halfway in 1:25:29, Luke appeared on course for something special. Then came the now all-too-familiar abdominal issues. Severe pain turned what had been a promising charge into an exercise in sheer grit. That he still battled home in 3:03:53 spoke volumes for his toughness, but there was no disguising the disappointment of what might have been.

Luke Martin’s run was hampered by abdominal pain

Jack Barwick’s marathon debut was one of the quieter success stories. With injury severely disrupting his build-up, this was always likely to be an unknown venture. Yet Jack paced himself superbly, reached halfway in 1:29:47 and held on admirably for 3:09:46. Given the circumstances, it was an excellent first effort and surely one that can serve as a platform.

Jack Barwick did well in his first ever marathon

Among the veterans, Nick Kenchington once again showed his enduring class. Four minutes quicker than last year with 3:19:45, and 20th in his age category, Nick continues to exemplify resilience and competitive spirit.

Sanjai Sharma, contesting his 32nd London Marathon, produced another fine chapter in his extraordinary marathon journey. Learning from last year’s cramp issues, his hydro-pack and electrolyte strategy worked wonders. The result was a highly creditable 3:28:02 and a significant improvement on 2025.

Jack and Katie with their medals after completing the race

Katie Gunn’s race, sadly, was heartbreakingly familiar. For a while, redemption looked possible. She was on target through halfway, but then history repeated itself as that familiar energy gel related sickness reared its ugly head again and derailed her race. The resulting 3:38:35 was not reflective of her fitness, but marathon running can sometimes be brutally unforgiving. Katie’s determination to finish despite everything said plenty about her character.

Clint Taylor was running with his daughter Sophie

Clint Taylor, accompanied by daughter Sophie and raising money for charity, approached the event in precisely the right spirit — embracing the day, entertaining the crowds and completing the course in 5:03:25 with smiles likely outweighing split times.

Sophie and Clint ready themselves for the journey ahead

Julian Oxborough, after the lessons of last year, was again tested to his limits. Starting too quickly ultimately proved costly, but marathon running is often as much about perseverance as pace. By making it to the finish once more, Julian demonstrated the sort of determination many faster runners will never fully understand.

Peppa Pig and Joe Wicks were amongst the 60,000 paticipants

The clock was ticking all the time for Julian Oxborough as he worked his way round

Beyond Bournemouth AC, there were standout local performances too. George Grassly of Belgrave Harriers was the fastest of the masses in a time of 2:12:54, with Charlie Davis of Birmingham taking second in 2:14:48. Seyfu Jamaal was third in 2:15:30, with Sam Eglen of Aldershot Farnham & District taking fourth in 2:16:27.

Sophie and Clint were both raising money for charity

It took some time but Julian persevered through the pain

Winner of the Run Bournemouth Half Marathon, Oluwatosin Emmanuel Adedeji came 24th in 2:21:34, with Alexander Meill-Ingram of Radley taking 26th in 2:21:35. Former Bournemouth AC athlete Harry Smith was exceptional on debut with 2:26:43 for 97th.

Katie was making the most of the free pints her medal afforded her

Twemlow Track Club’s Jack Galloway produced an outstanding 2:29:17, while Poole AC’s Lewis Clarke just edged ahead of Rob McTaggart in 2:29:30. Tommy Corbin also impressed with a 2:30:13 PB, underlining Poole’s strength in depth. Brian Underwood’s 2:35:32 was particularly notable, earning him 6th in the 50-54 category, while Jack Murphy (2:37:43), Tim Rooke (2:42:57), Morgan Tame (2:47:19), Adam Colbert (2:48:41) and Becky Neal’s superb 2:58:22 all contributed to an exceptional day for the club.

Clint was well pleased to have that bling round his neck

Egdon Heath Harriers were similarly prominent, with Charlie Williams clocking 2:32:13 and Adam Davies 2:54:58, while Victoria Barnett ran 3:11:25. Perhaps most remarkable was Alex Door, who wasn’t rusty at all, just seven weeks after surgery to remove metal plates from her leg. She ran a tremendous 3:17:49 off minimal training, alongside the returning Matt Underhill, whose backwards Birdcage Walk theatrics and flying finish added some memorable theatre.

Harry Smith managed a stunning sub 2:27 in his debut marathon

Twemlow’s Chris Wood also shone with 2:37:25, backed up by David Jones (2:45:33), Dave Hicks (2:45:49) and Lee Dempster (2:50:38), while Wimborne’s Mark Savage posted an excellent 2:45:04.

There were also the wonderfully eccentric and inspirational efforts that London does better than anywhere else. Nick Marshall, running dressed as a giant screw for charity, completed his second marathon in two weeks before preparing for Belfast the following weekend — proof, if ever it were needed, that marathon running attracts all kinds of extraordinary people.

Sophie, Julie and Clint celebrate their London Marathon exploits

Yet ultimately, for Bournemouth AC, this London Marathon was about far more than times alone.

Katie sinks another one

It was about Dave Newman realising a dream through relentless hard work. Louisa Rowland elevating herself to another level. Rob McTaggart proving once again he belongs among serious company, even if perfection eluded him. It was about courage from Katie, persistence from Luke, promise from Jack, consistency from Sanjai and Nick, and personal triumphs from every runner who toed that famous start line.

The marathon always gives each runner something — joy, pain, wisdom or unfinished business.

…and another one!

It was an occasion Clint, his family and friends won’t forget

Everyone who completed the marathon that day was a superhero of sorts

Relay teams

The Wessex league provides competing opportunities for u12s through to u20s. With a free coach provided, Isle of Wight matches are always a day to remember. It was a sunny and, even with the windy conditions, there were lots of PBs.

With apologies for any omissions, the team consisted of:

U12s

Emily Brooks

Dylan Everett

Matilda Flay

Seth Jackson

Brody Lock

Alicia Mysliwska

Samuel Ramirez

U14s

Isabella Baptist

Reuben Gates

Sofia Roscoe

Robyn Woolley

U16s

Mikey Bean

Junior Buron

Bella Crawford

Connor Grocott

Fin Hurst-Atkins

Oliver Jennings

Jessica Long

Callum Pearson

Sienna Pope

Logan Potter

Lola Thomasson

U18s

Flo Dootson

Notable performances included:

• Our throwers doing well with strong PB performances for Sophia Roscoe in discus, Logan Potter in shot and Callum Pearson in javelin
• Fin Hurst-Atkins won discus, ran a 1500 PB and also ran the 100m and 4×100 relay
• Sienna Pope with 2 PBs
• And by the officials… Simon almost won with the lap bell, Janet broke records for tripping over the track edge and Dave needs new sellotape for his stopwatch.

Sophie Roscoe discus thrower

Full results can be found on the Power of 10

What the mangers and athletes said:

“Quad kids had new faces today and loads of PBs”

“Great team spirit from all BAC!”

“We may not win but all that matters is we tried our hardest and had fun.”

“I enjoyed the long jump and 75m”

Our officials were:

• Dave Clarke (timekeeper)
• Adie Saunders (field)
• Simon Saunders (track)
• Janet Dickinson (track)
• Robin James (field)

Thanks also to team managers Caleb Buys (u12s), Bernard Buron (u14s) Caroline Pope (u16s)

Well done all!

The next Wessex match will be at Abingdon on Sunday 7^th June.

Somerset and Dorset Combined Events Yeovil

Always great to see our multi-events competing and there were some outstanding results at Yeovil.

• Imogen Pope won Y9 overall and Gold for Dorset
• Sienna Munden was 2^nd overall and Silver for Dorset
• Liberty Batt was 4^th overall in Y8 and Silver for Dorset
• Seni Purnell was 5^th overall in U18 and Gold for Dorset.

London mini-marathon

Allegra Ramirez was selected to run in the mini-marathon for the South West in the u14G category finishing 20^th.

In the YDL Upper (UK Youth Development League) Bournemouth, New Forest Juniors and Salisbury form a composite team of u18s and U20s providing opportunities to meet new teammates. With a free coach provided, the journey to Crawley proved worthwhile with sunny and calm conditions ideal for athletics. While a small team, this proved a good platform to build on with plenty of scope for others as we return to our track.

With apologies for any omissions, the team consisted of:

Oliver Canavan (U18)

Matthew Farah (U18)

Chloe Johnsom (U18)

Isaac May (U18)

William Moss (U18)

Gabriella Pitman (U18)

Alexis Seymour (U18)

Tonaya Welsh (U18)

Elijah Hunt (U20)

Amy Tonkyn U20)

Harry Williams (U20)

There were many PBs and podium places. Notable performances included:

• Winning the U18 mixed relay (Chloe Johnson, Gabriella Pitman, Isaac May, William Moss)
• Amy Tonkyn, who was unable to compete in her own events (sprints) due to injury but made the trip to support the team by throwing discus and shot.
• Elijah Hunt and Matt Farah for each covering several events
• Chloe Johnson, who was one of the top athletes of the match based on points in her 200m

Full results can be found on the Power of 10

A strong group of officials supported the athletes gaining good points (officials get points too!).

• Dave Clarke (BAC timekeeper)
• Adrienne Saunders and Janet Dickinson (BAC field)
• Simon Saunders (BAC track)
• Dave McManus and Tina Wilding (NFJ field)

Thanks also to team managers Richard Hunt (Bournemouth), Kiera Everett (New Forest Juniors).

Well done all!

The next YDL upper match will be at Guildford on Sunday 24^th May.