YEOVILTON FLYING HIGH WITH MARATHON SUCCESS
THE first ever Yeovil Marathon took place on Sunday 14th June at the Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton with over 230 competitors taking part.
Organised by POAET Bryn Phillips, of 845 Naval Air Squadron Commando Helicopter Force, the marathon was a great success with participants competing not only for a personal best race time but also for the title of the winner of the first ever Yeovil Marathon.
The winner of that coveted title went to Tim Hawkins with a fantastic time of 2 hours, 47 minutes and 21 seconds. Tim was presented with his medal by Abigail Garrett, a student atCharltonHorethorneCofESchool, who won the competition to design the medal.
Tim said:
“It was great to win. I took the first part of the race a bit too fast and suffered for the last 5 miles. But overall, I held it together well and it’s absolutely fantastic to win the first Yeovil Marathon, especially with Yeovil being in my home town.”
The marathon was held through the Yeovil Town Road Running Club and all money raised going to the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity and the Yeovilton Military Wives Choir, with the total standing at over £3000 with donations still coming in.
POAET Bryn Phillips said:
“It was fantastic to see everyone off the start line. After all the hard work it was quite an emotional moment, but we’ve raised a huge amount of money for the RNRMC and the Yeovilton Military Wives Choir and the families have enjoyed the day so it’s been a great success. Now to start the planning for next years marathon!”
The marathon was sponsored and supported by a number of companies from aroundSomerset; Agusta Westlands, Tony Pryce Sports, Sodexo, Yarlington Homes, Symonds and Sampson and Aztec Media.
“I’d like to say a huge thank you to all the volunteers who were willing to get out of bed so early on a Sunday morning, our sponsors, everyone who took part and the families who supported them.” Added Bryn.
The second Yeovil Marathon will take place on the 12th June 2016 so plenty of time to get training - Fly Navy, Run Yeovilton!