TAVISTOCK'S Adam Holland was among a trio of athletes to make history after running a superb 10 consecutive sub 3hr 30 min marathons over 10 days.
They did it on May 17 in the UK's ultimate endurance running event, the Brathay 10 in 10 Challenge in the Lake District, Cumbria. In doing so, they completely obliterated the world record total aggregate time of 35 hours 20 minutes set just 12 months ago at the 2008 event.
Adam, aged 22, representing Tavistock Athletic Club who was competing in the challenge for the first time and finished in first place out of the 15 challengers and also claimed the overall world record with a total time of 32 hours 47 minutes over the 10 days. Adam's average marathon time over 10 days was 3hrs 16min 42sec and he had an average mile time for 262 miles of 7 min 30 sec. Also making history in the 262 mile challenge were two athletes from Gloucestershire - Steve Edwards, 46, and Tim Charles, 40, who were second and third.
Sportingly the three, with two miles to go on the final day, agreed to finish together after battling it out for the previous 260 miles. This says, said the organisers as much about the sportsmanship and sheer utter respect for one another as the performances themselves.
Organisers of the 10 Challenge said that Adam, Steve and Tim arguably deserve full recognition as do all the 15 competitors for a fantastic performance that has captured the hearts and imagination of the whole running community over the last 10 days.
'It was a fitting finally for those fortunate to be present at the finish line as they were treated to what can only be described as a true master class of endurance running.
'The finish line photo has to be seen to be believed! said a spokesperson.