Suzanne Beardsmore, from Abingdon AC, overcame illness to win an age group title at the Race Walking Assoc-iation’s National Long Distance Championship on the Isle of Man.

Beardsmore finished 17th overall in the 100-mile race, in a time of 21hrs 47mins 16secs.

She was also the fourth women home, but more importantly, came first in the 40-45 age category.

This was a notable ach-ievement achievement in a competive field, with many international athletes, and a strong contingent from the Isle of Man.

Troubled by some stomach problems early on, dogged determination kept her going. “This is the hardest thing I have ever done in my life.”

But she kept walking for several more hours, and is already looking at race schedules for next year's dates and venues. Her support crew of family and training partners are in awe of her achievement.

It was the third time Beardsmore has completed 100 miles inside 24 hours, a feat she first achieved in 2011.

There were 83 starters, and 36 finishers. A further 40 walkers took part in the 20-mile ‘moonlight stroll’. l Abingdon AC’s Dan Hamilton was the leading local performer in round four of the Mota-Vation Series at Combe.

Hamilton finished third on the new hilly two-lap course, completing the 4.21-mile route in 22mins 16secs.

Clubmate Owen Stepney was second under 19 man home in 24.47, with Cath Matthews (33.38) the third vet 55 lady.

White Horse Harriers’ Ian Lambourn was the second vet 50 man in 27.10.

RESULTS ROUND-UP

(senior men unless stated)

MOTA-VATION SERIES

4th round (Combe)

Abingdon: 3 D Hamilton 22.16, 18 O Stepney (U19M) 24.47, 34 J Lenik 26.32, 54 J Moore (V40) 28.37, 59 J Bones (V40) 28.51, 63 A Vessey (U19M) 29.01, 69 L Purbrick (SL) 29.32, 129 C Matthews (LV55) 33.38, 147 M Edwards (V40) 35.00, 157 S Douglas (LV45) 35.37, 159 A Garner (V50) 35.58, 170 C Penton (V40) 36.47, 198 G Lodowski (LV45) 40.21, 207 P Wilson (LV55) 41.24, 213 H Smith (SL) 42.44, 215 A Moger (LV45) 43.19, 217 J Styles (V40) 44.02.

White Horse Harriers: 19 P Jegou 25.02, 39 I Lambourn (V50) 27.10, 68 S Leech (V40) 29.30.

OXFORD CITY OPEN

Abingdon AC 100m – race 1: 6 R Fernanadez (U13W) 16.64secs; race 4: 4 C Kimber-Bidlot (U15W) 14.32; race 5: 3 A Walley (V50) 13.64 5 C Salt (U20). 14.04. 200m - race 4: 5 M Wiblan (U13M) 30.24; race 6: 4 G Harvey (U17W) 27.65. 300m – race 1: 6 M Wiblan (U13M) 46.77. 400m – race 2: 7 G Harvey (U17W) 61.60. 800m – race 1: 9 R Fernandez (U13W) 3.06.97; race 2: 2 J Bones (V40) 2.32.41, 5 J Wells Gray (U15W) 2.38.46, 8 L Siddle (U15W) 241.83; race 3: 1 P Stepney (V50) 2.26.27; race 5: 3 N Magrane (U17M) 2.11.36; race 6: 3 O Stepney (U20M) 2.01.77. 1500m – race 1: 1 N Wiltshire (U13M) 4.46.46, 12 L Gilio (U15W) 6.09.36; race 2: 11 J Bruce (VM35) 4.45.12.

ABINGDON PARKRUN

Abingdon AC: 3 J Bruce (VM35) 18.44, 38 J Oliver (VM55) 21.57 (pb), 90 G Lean (VM35) 26.16 (pb), 92 J Newton (VM40) 26.29 (pb), 36 S James (VW50) 31.48 (pb), 147 G Lenik (SW) 34.37 (pb).