Cyprus Marathon provides unexpected challenges for North Wales couple

Report by Don Hale

Husband and wife team Sarah and Ben Hudson from North Wales Road Runners expected a run in the sun during the Cyprus Marathon but instead faced a constant downpour and were thankful to avoid being struck by lightning!

Despite the unexpected and very soggy conditions brought about by many hours of torrential rain, Ben still recorded his second fastest marathon time finishing 77th overall out of 238 visiting runners in 3 hours 39 minutes and 47 seconds, whilst Sarah continued her excellent form and said she was “over the moon” to just dip under the four-hour barrier.

Sarah finished in 121st place overall, and was the 14th female athlete in a superb time of 3.58.47.

Afterwards, she confirmed: “Cyprus Marathon done and dusted. North Wales you have been ‘out rained’ and I was relieved not to have another close encounter with any lightning.

“I’m so chuffed to go sub-4. That was crazy and probably the wettest marathon we have ever run and definitely the most potential to get struck by lightning, but a great race all the same.“