Guernsey Press

Burke claims Guernsey Marathon victory

Irish visitor Dessie Burke’s class shone through in yesterday’s sun-kissed but cool Sure Guernsey Marathon.

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Home prospect Luke Richards (94) and eventual winner Dessie Burke (13) lead as runners tackle the opening Le Val des Terres climb. (Picture by Sophie Rabey, 30680952)

No Guernsey runner presented a lasting challenge to Burke, who won in 2hrs 40min. 25sec., but it was not for a lack of trying from home prospect Luke Richards.

The marathon debutant held Burke until nearly halfway through the coastal 26.2-miler from South Esplanade, but he soon began fading and finished over half-an-hour back.

'I'm delighted – it's nice to finish a marathon and it's even better to win it,' Burke said.

'Even to get in the top three is amazing.'

Ultimately, Guernsey Ultra champion Clint King’s staying power earned him top local and second overall in a big PB of 2-52-28. Five other Guernsey runners broke the 3hr barrier.

Alicia Munro and Tamsin Stevens crossed the line together. (Picture by Sophie Rabey)

In a quieter women’s field, former Island Games swimmer Alicia Munro ran with friend Tamsin Stevens as the two UK-based runners crossed the line together in 3-36-23.

'It was better than I thought,' Munro said after being credited official victory.

  • Full report to follow in Wednesday's paper.