A local marathon in Abingdon, Oxfordshire celebrated its 40th Year anniversary of the event on the 23 October 2022.
The local event has been running since 1982 with historically nearly 1,000 runners taking part. The race goes through and around the beautiful town of Abingdon on Thames starting and ending at sports facility Tilsley Park. The marathon is run by a committee of volunteers from sporting clubs and organisations. Raising money for local charities is an aim the organisers set out to do.
This year they have raised money for many charities such as Helen and Douglas House, The Abingdon Bridge and SeeSaw.
Terry Francis, an organiser of the event, said: "It is a race for runners by runners.” He described the importance of the event as “very important”. Over the last few years, the event has raised over £15,000 for charity per year. This year the marathon had a more sustainable aim with the medals being from the UK and being wooden rather than being metal and from China.
When asked about next year’s marathon Francis said: “We will be looking how we can engage further with local communities and organisations.”
Craig Woolhouse, a steward volunteer described the event as a good quality marathon on a relatively flat surface around Abingdon, Steventon and Drayton.
He then went on to discuss his experience stewarding the event for the first time. “It was the first time I had helped and even the wet weather won’t put me off doing it again,” he said.
Also speaking to a runner from the event Tracy Brooks said: “That was grim, slow, painful and a bit too emotional for my little comfort zone. Lots of supporters seemingly aware of papyrus.”
The event was full of friends and families going to support loved ones or just people enjoying the day. The event began at 9 am with the rain hammering down for the next hour and a half before eventually the runners saw the first bit of sunshine of the day. The male winner of the Abingdon Marathon was Henry Hart who ran it in a time of 02:33:49 and the female winner was Helen Mussen in a time of 02:54:08. 688 people completed the race making it a memorable and amazing year for the event and the town. Overall, The Abingdon Marathon was an excellent triumph with many people taking part, supporting the event and raising money for charity.
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