Rob Snaith of Beverley Athletic Club has started a winning streak by coming first in a race for the second time in a month. His confidence was boosted by winning the Ryedale 10- mile race in September and now he is celebrating after winning his first marathon.
On Sunday he completed the 26.2mile course at Mablethorpe in 2 hours 45 minutes and 54 seconds.
Competing in only his third marathon, Snaith set off with the aim of running at his own pace to record a good finishing time. He led the field for the first few hundred yards before being passed by Cosmas Deburca of Leevale. Deburca opened up a lead of about 25 seconds but Snaith maintained his own pace while keeping his rival in sight. The gap between them started to close at 10 miles and by mile 13 they were running shoulder to shoulder.
Snaith’s parents and son Joey were at the half-way point with Joey proudly cheering his dad on and waving a poster he had made.
With cramp threatening from mile 16, Snaith kept his nerve and opened up a gap of over a minute. Once in the lead he felt in control of the race. Miles 20 to 23 were difficult due to the strong headwind but there was great support from spectators to spur him on.
Altering his gait to keep cramp at bay he was relieved to turn away from the wind after 23 miles. The last few miles were along the prom but just as he thought the finish was in sight he realised that that was where the half-marathon finished and he had another half-mile to run into the wind again.
He was thrilled to cross the line in first place, three minutes ahead of Darren King of Killamarsh Kestrels. Deburca finished third in 2.51.11.
After the race Snaith commented, “I’m pretty chuffed, I got the performance I wanted and I ran it the best that I could on the day.”
Prizes were presented by local athlete Bernice Wilson, a 60 metre sprinter in the GB squad who is also a Sports Development Officer for East Lindsey District Council.
Beverley Athletic Club’s Andy Johnson, also running in his third marathon, finished in 32nd place in a commendable 3.18.10.
There were 214 finishers and the first lady to cross the line was Beth Wilmot of Sleaford Town Runners in 3.24.44.
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