The 36th Junction Broadstone Quarter Marathon was one of the best-attended New Year's Day races with just over 400 runners starting 2022 on a competitive note in this traditional road race. Broadstone Quarter Marathon is based at "The Junction" (formerly Broadstone Leisure Centre) four miles from Poole and is organised by Bournemouth YMCA and Poole Runners. 

The race raises funds for sporting facilities and equipment for the youth and disabled of Broadstone. This year a cheque for £3,000 was presented to The Junction Sports Centre to buy gym equipment following a significant increase in the number of youngsters joining the gym since lockdown ended.

The two-lap course is effectively a triangle of Dunyeats Road, Lower Blandford Road, and Gravel Hill – with the emphasis on the hill – and our photo shows the first three men prominent just after the start.

The bearded James Share (#197) completed the quirky distance of 10.55km first in a swift 34:54, representing Guildford & Godalming AC, although he is second-claim to Poole Runners. The runners-up were Matt Papa (#390) of Egdon Heath Harriers in 36:06 and Lonely Goat RC member Lewis Clarke (#417) in 36:14.

The top three women were Joanna Wright (unattached, 40:48) followed by Bournemouth AC members Helen O'Niele (41:10) and Emma Caplan (41:35).

Tremlow Track Club took the men's team prize and Bournemouth AC was strongest in the women's team race.

Times can be compared to a tough multi-terrain 10K and on that basis, 147 runners inside 50 minutes was an impressive return. There were 279 going under the hour and 402 finishers in 1:37:21.

Results can be studied via the runABC South race listing here

Image courtesy Reel Memories for Broadstone Quarter Marathon