AFTER last Saturday’s torrential downpours, which flooded parts of the Island, competitors were relieved to wake up on Sunday morning with the 2024 Jersey Cancer Relief Half Marathon getting the go ahead, following a thorough course inspection.
While the weather did its utmost to dampen spirits, a staggering 272 competitors crossed the finish line after a gruelling 13.1 mile slog, made tougher by the strong headwind they faced on the way home from Gorey along the coast road.
Fortunately for those involved, the worst of the weather held off until the dying embers of the race.
In spite of the sub-par conditions, storylines were written in abundance, as winner of the women’s race, Rosie Adamson, posted a terrific chip time of 1hr 32mins 08secs to set a personal best effort in the process.
The Spartan runner has been in a rich vein of form this year and steadily increased her lead throughout the race to finish just shy of two minutes ahead of a strong performing Francesca Monticelli, who was duly tracked home by Chantilly McCarthy in third.
Elsewhere on the men’s side, the ever impressive George Rice led the field home in an incredible time of 1hr 10mins 50secs, pushed hard by runner-up James Oliver just 55 seconds adrift.
Josh Brien secured third, just over three minutes behind Oliver.
Women’s winner Rosie Adamson is also heavily involved with the organisation and believes that the event “is a race for everyone”.
“It is always such a brilliant occasion. It truly is a race for everyone and that’s what we always stress,” she said.
“Everyone has their own reason to run and their own targets and ambitions and each and every person deserves to be celebrated.
“That’s what it’s all about. There is a large community aspect to running in these events and everyone is so supportive of each other and celebrates individual successes and achievements.”
On a personal performance front, Adamson spoke of how running without specific targets in mind has helped her both enjoy her running more while contributing to a standout year.
“I learnt a hard lesson at the Manchester Marathon last year where I went in with a time in my head and I ended up missing it by quite a way.
“I felt disappointed afterwards and, by putting that pressure on myself, it kind of took away from the joy that an occasion like that should produce.
“I now approach each race seeing how I feel when I start and that’s been a really good mindset to have and it seems to be working in the results I have posted this year too.”
Adamson, like many running enthusiasts, loves the simplicity of the discipline.
“The fact that you just need a pair of shoes to get going has always appealed to me,” she added.
“Many sports need specialist equipment and are quite difficult to access, but running truly is for all.
“There is a huge community aspect to it and that makes it really enjoyable to be a part of.
“Not to mention the mental-health benefits.
“Most of us sit in an office all day and it’s amazing the difference a 10- or 15-minute run can make to clear your head.”
Aside from the personal bests and race wins, the deeper meaning behind the day was the charity aspect.
Over £5,000 in total was raised for Jersey Cancer Relief, as Jersey Spartan Athletic Club paid a special tribute to competitor Taylor Manners, who was the biggest individual fundraiser with over £600.
The club also extended their thanks to all the sponsors, marshals, timekeepers and helpers for their efforts during the event.
Age-group winners: Patrick Kennedy (M40-49), Phil Ahier (M50-59), Paul Bish (M60-69), Bernie Arthur (M70+), Calli Bushel (F40-49), Sylvana Frankland (F50-59), Margaret Kellas (F60-69).
Full results available via www.jerseyspartan.com.
