The Island Games triathlon champion, who moved to Australia at the start of last year, showed her immense staying power in a different discipline by setting a Guernsey record of 2hrs 49min. 14sec. at last weekend’s Gold Coast Marathon.
Chapple had made her debut over the 26.2-mile distance during the build-up to her individual triathlon gold at Guernsey 2023, posting 2-50-33 in the London Marathon that April.
Back then she claimed to have been unaware of Guernsey’s marathon record, which multiple Games long-distance gold medallist Louise Perrio held with her uncanny 2-49-59 time from Frankfurt in 2017.
Making her long-awaited return to marathoning in a race with still and only moderately warm conditions, Chapple had gone out with intent, covering the first half in 1-23-26.
She battled cramping and inevitable fatigue from there, but she held on to secure a significant personal best and finish 21st of 4,087 women on the day.
The 28-year-old – who has history as a junior athlete, having represented Guernsey at county level as an U15 and younger – recognises the significance of being a Guernsey record-holder.
‘It is a cool achievement to be named among the island’s best runners,’ she said.
‘I knew what the record was and how close I was to it in London, so was gunning for a PB and to hopefully get the record too.
‘It was a great day for it on a fast course. Cramps gave me a lot of grief but I took each “k” as it came and dug deep to get to the finish.’
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