Ryde Harriers have been running since 1886 and organising tough events on the island for a very long time. The Isle of Wight Half Marathon held on Sunday 21 August is a case in point. The distance may be the traditional 13.1 miles but with a gain of 183 metres elevation plus some gravel tracks, bridleway, and stiles to negotiate this is not your average flat road course.

None of which worried race winner Matt Sharp (Ryde Harriers) – pictured above – who lived up to the promise of his surname to post a top class 1:10:35, only five minutes and bits slower than his half marathon best. 

Sharp led his Ryde Harriers team mates to victory to double his delight as welcome rain clouds gathered above the 200 competitors who had set out from Appley Park in Ryde, just across the Solent from Portsmouth.

Chasing the rapidly disappearing Sharp was Leeds City AC's Ben Douglas (1:14:18) and Ryde's Joe Wade (1:15:50) as the host club's success in the team race was secured by Trevor McAlister (1:30:36) in 20th overall.

Ryde also won the women's team and individual race through W45 Charlie Metcalfe (1:25:33).  Sarah McDade (Reading Roadrunners, 1:29:29) and Helen Sceales (unattached, 1:33:32) filled the women's rostrum and Ryde's W55 Trish Train (1:36:36) and Natalie Rose (W35, 1:53:29) completed the winning team for the happy hosts. 

The scenic course comprises two different laps from Appley Park through Ryde, Nettlestone, and St Helens with off-road sections on Attrill’s Lane and Whitefield Woods. The toughest climbs come at five miles and eight miles with a final kicker in the closing stages before a steep, quad-burning descent to the finish.

For details of all the events promoted by Ryde Harriers click here

For a link to previous results of the Isle of Wight Half Marathon visit runABC South race listing

Image of Matt Sharp courtesy Ryde Harriers on Facebook