Claire Forbes crosses the finishing line (00799136)

Jersey runner Claire Forbes broke the three-hour barrier – just – in her first attempt at the marathon distance yesterday.

She completed the Standard Chartered Jersey Marathon in 2 hr 59 min 59 sec, according to the computer chip, with the time on the clock 3.00.02.

Kenyan Joseph Kibunja won the men’s race in 2.33.27. He has run this marathon three times before, including escorting blind runner Henry Wanyoike to the finish, but this was a chance to show just how quickly he can go on his own and on course after running the wrong route last year and finishing tenth.

As for Forbes, an athlete who has won gold in much shorter distances at the Island Games, it was a moment to savour. ‘I’ve never run a marathon before,’ she said. ‘I’ve represented Great Britain at much shorter distances, but this was completely new to me. At 18 miles I really felt the pressure. But looking back on it, I really enjoyed it.’

• Full results will be published in the Jersey Evening Post later in the week

• More pictures here at www.thisisjersey.com later in the week