This Is Jersey

By Sue Le Ruez

Vicky Barratt

Two Island distance runners have recently smashed their best times for the marathon.

Vicky Barratt completed the New York Marathon in 3.19.28, knocking over seven minutes off her previous best time; and Leanne Rive went back to her roots in Dublin to run the 30th anniversary city marathon in 3.31.57, around six minutes quicker than her previous best.

Despite the 6 am start and a three-hour wait in chilly conditions, the weather turned out to be perfect for Vicky and the 42,000 other runners in New York last Sunday. ‘And the atmosphere was unrivalled to anything I have experienced,’ she said.

Vicky (38), who has now completed five marathons, was especially motivated for this one because she was raising money for ABC (After Breast Cancer) and Cancer Research in memory of a friend and young mother, Stef Gould, who died recently of the disease. Her determination and courage was a huge motivating factor for Vicky, who was spurred on again when she got to Central Park.

‘As the miles of long straight roads ticked by, I continued to feel strong and the last few miles, in stunning Central Park with an array of autumn colours, helped me push myself towards the finish with a sub 3.20 just within my reach. I was delighted to finish well and achieve 3.19.28.’

Leanne Rive

Leanne (36) was also lucky with the weather in Dublin when she lined up with over 10,000 others at the end of last month, the gales of previous days abating and the day dawning clear, calm and sunny. ‘The weather was fantastic – you could not have asked for better and there were big crowds throughout – I really enjoyed it,’ she said. ‘

Having been disappointed with her run in the Standard Chartered Jersey Marathon in September, she was determined to achieve a better time in Dublin and was delighted with 3.31.57, which was around six minutes quicker than any of her ten previous marathons.

Both Leanne and Vicky fit in their training in busy schedules. Both are married with two young children and both work as fitness specialists, Rive being a personal trainer and Barratt running ViKs FIT KiDs and taking fitness classes.

Article posted on 7th November, 2009 - 2.58pm