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16/03/2023 00:00, In Blog / Track & Field /

Almost 30 years ago to the day, Carolyn Hunter-Rowe (Pudsey & Bramley) decimated the World Ladies 40 Miles Track Record at Jenner Park, Barry with 4:26:43 - a mark which still stands. It seems fitting, therefore, that Oli Garrod (South London Harriers) should shatter the World Men's Record on that same track on Sunday 5th March, erasing the 3:48:35 mark which had stood to ultra legend, Don Ritchie for 41 years.

Conditions were perfect - maximum of 6 degrees with scarcely a breath of wind, but Oli seized his opportunity with clinical precision. 10 mile splits of 55:41; 55:23; 56:08 and 57:55 tell their own tale, as do his amazing split times of 2:25:57 (marathon) and 2:53:16 (50 kms). Behind Oli, there was an trail of personal bests as many of the runners cashed in on the benign conditions.

Newcomer Dan Rothwell (Swansea Harriers) was hugely impressive in taking the Welsh Ultra Title in 3:59:56, eclipsing Mick McGeoch's 30 year old championship record. Norbert Milalik, (Northampton Road Runners / Hungary), a world class 24 hour performer looked super strong in taking third in 4:07:52.

Jen Coleman (Les Croupiers) retained her Welsh Ultra Title with 5:18:12, but had to battle hard in the final quarter.   There was more Hungarian success in the marathon with Tamas Szitszay taking the honours with 3:16:31, whilst Les Croupiers athletes Carole Goddard and Gareth Logan ran together for virtually the entire marathon distance and were rewarded with massive personal bests.

40 Mile Track Race Results

Marathon Track  Race Results