Ed and Nikki take marathon honours

Ed Gumbley completed a hat-trick of victories in difficult conditions to win Sunday’s Microgaming Isle of Man Marathon. He finished in a time of two hours, 46 minutes and 53 seconds – almost five minutes clear of Rob Sellors who, despite the conditions, set a personal best of 2:51:52. Third place was secured by Andy Durham of Carnegie Harriers in 2:55:21. The women’s race was won by Northern AC runner Nikki Boyde on home territory. She finished in 3:13:51 ahead of Western AC's Helen Taylor (3:27:37 and personal best). Cass Chisholm was third (3:53:07). Manxman Philip Caine won the half marathon by more than four minutes from Northern AC's Nick Colburn with team-mate Kevin Deakes in third. In the half marathon, Bev Wright of Blackpool and Fylde AC was the first lady home with last year's winner Caroline Mayers (Manx Harriers) second and Zohra Armitage (St. Edmunds Pacers) third.