Valencia Marathon 07-12-25

There were five Team Birtley athletes, lining up for the start of the Valencia Marathon, showing off the Blue and Yellow and looking forward to racing in what was around 20C and a lot better conditions than in the UK. Each one completed the 26.2 miles, Tom Goulding (great to see him once again in the Birtley vest, even if it was a one off) completed in 2:29, running negative splits, and a fantastic effort for his first marathon. Kieran Reay crossed the line in a very impressive 2:39 in what was his third go at the distance and just off his PB. Adrian Bailes ran a good 2:44, again his first marathon, and it wasn’t the wheels that came off at about 20 or so miles, it was his toe nails, ouch 😳. Hannah Linton, again new to the distance, was going for somewhere around 3:15, and she absolutely smashed it, with a 3:11. Rob Torch went along for the weekend not too sure if he would start, or if he did, he would possibly run with Hannah to about 18 miles or so and call it a day, so to decide to press on and complete his first marathon, would have taken some deep thought and determination to get himself over that finish line, great effort and 3:34. Well done everyone, and also to the roving supporter, Chloe, who had her itinerary worked out to get to the best vantage points for a shout and photo. A great experience. Safe travels back.