Bryan runs fastest marathon by Kenilworth lady in New York

Kenilworth Runners' Danielle Bryan on her way to 38th lady at the New York Marathon. Picture submitted

Bryan became only the second Kenilworth Runners lady to run a sub-3hr marathon, finishing 607th overall and 38th lady in a time of 2hr 57min 39sec.

Despite fears of going out too hard, she went through 13.1 miles in 1:26:46 – only a minute outside her half-marathon personal best – and only fell off that pace in the final five miles after aggravating her hip trying to avoid a pedestrian.

However, buoyed by packed crowds and the appearance of her husband and daughter at the 25-mile mark, she dug deep to claim the club record.

And, while delighted to claim the record, Bryan believes she can lower the mark further.

“Although most people will say 2:57:39 is a good time, I expected a little more from myself,” said Bryan.

“Especially based on my race approach.”

Following on from a personal best at Coventry parkrun and a run in the Gloucester League XC, Louise Andrews ran exceptionally well to secure first lady in the opening race of the Centurion Runners Grand Prix Series road race last Sunday.

Andrews clocked a time of 34:32 for the five-mile race which took in one small lap and two large laps of Babbs Mill Park in Chelmsley Wood.

Neil Sheward was the first male Kenilworth Runner home in 16th position in a time of 31:36.

Tom Dable was 84th in 40:58, with Samantha Moffatt 91st in 42:14 and Pauline Dable 102nd and first LV65 in 44:11.

Despite having months of marathon training in his legs, Spa Striders’ Trevor Wilkinson ran 5:35 for the first mile to sit in eight place.

He then steadied his pace to complete the course in 30:17 for 12th place overall and fourth veteran.

The race was won by Richard White of Halesowen in 26:19.