Event records and PBs smashed at Syd Quirk Half Marathon

Tuesday 23 November in Gallery

Sunday 21st November provided almost perfect racing conditions in the south of the Island, as around 400 competitors took part in the Syd Quirk Half Marathon.

The sporting event, popular with walkers and runners for over 40 years, welcomed a mix of familiar faces and new athletes, lining up to tackle the 13.1-mile course.

The event kicked off at the Ronaldsway Industrial Estate, and the route included two six-mile laps which cut through Ballasalla, Cross Four Ways, Ballabeg, Iron Gate, Castletown Bypass and Janet’s Corner.

Ollie Lockley, who will be competing in the Commonwealth Games next year, put in an impressive performance in the male running category, shaving 35 seconds off Steve Kelly’s 1978 time, and setting a new Island record of 66 minutes, 18 seconds.

Elissa Morris took the women’s running title in 83 minutes and 10 seconds, with the race-walking honours claimed by Simon Gawne and Keira Heavy.