AMID the stunning scenery of a tiny Scillonian island, a brave band of runners tackled the world’s smallest marathon.
The 10th Tresco Marathon, held yesterday, proved a resounding success, as 99 competitors gathered at the start. As the participants set off to the sound of cheers and applause from hundreds of spectators, a cold grey sky relented and allowed the sun to break through the clouds. Runners had to pace themselves around the hilly course seven-and-a-half times before they reached their goal. GMTV presenter Ben Shepherd took part in the race for the second year in a row. Completing the marathon in three hours, 31 minutes, and coming seventh, he said he was thrilled to have completed the course. He said: “I’m absolutely delighted it’s over. I had hoped to sneak under three hours and 30 minutes. It was a very difficult course, and tackling all the hills was particularly unnerving, but I had some wonderful runners around me who pulled me through. When it got difficult, I just looked around and breathed in the magnificent scenery.” Ivan Hollingsworth, 33, a medical salesman from Newcastle, clinched first place in a time of two hours 58, minutes and 57 seconds, in his first marathon.
He said: “I’m over the moon to have come first. It was a very difficult course, and with only 200 metres to go, my legs cramped up and I feared I might have to walk the rest of the way.