Ivanhoe Runners have completed a Marathon distance in a quicker time than the world record holder - with club members taking part in a series of relays.

Eluid Kipchoge's history breaking sub-two hour run over the iconic 26 mile event in Vienna almost four years ago captured the imagination of the world.

But the Ashby-based running club had the idea of taking on the same challenge.

They wondered whether, by pooling all their abilities into one multiple relay, could they achieve what one person achieved on their own?

Everyone in the club was welcome to take part in the event at the Tamworth Athletic Club track last Wednesday (Aug 30).

Athletes would attack either 100metre or 200metre efforts, with a GPS tracker strapped to a baton the whole way. Runners split into teams to create a smooth order - and a target of 105.5 laps was set.

In all, 29 runners were involved along with plenty of support from club members.

Club member, Emily Partridge, took up the story and said: "We passed the baton around, from one person to the next, timekeepers and co-ordinators never missing a beat to keep us to the plan. 

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"It was unfolding in front of our eyes better than we ever expected. By the halfway stage, as daytime turned to night, the sky lit up by the super moon over the stadium, we went through 13.1 miles in one hour and two seconds.

"We were taking on the ultimate running challenge, as a team. Every runner, not only had to be in right place at the right time, but turning over their legs as quick as possible every lap to keep to pace – oh, and not drop the baton! 

"As the laps ticked by, we were desperately trying to calculate if we were on target. 

"From the outset, we didn't know if this was possible, but every person showed up with optimism and the spirit needed to give it a real good go, truly displaying the Ivanhoe spirit. Then, it dawned on us, we might actually do it!

"Perhaps one of the only things that had been left unplanned, was how to celebrate if we did it? And well of course, there's only one way – all those with battered, lactic shot legs got back on the final bend, and ran in the very last runner down the home straight. One hour, 58 minutes and two seconds after we started, we had completed a marathon, as quick as the G.O.A.T.

"Only one person in the world has done it by himself, but we showed it could also be done with an immense amount of determination, teamwork and utter madness. 

"This event showcased the inclusivity of our club, what can be achieved when there's a shared vision, and cemented how seriously fast the elite marathoners of the world can shift. 

"If this has captured your imagination, we'd love to hear about more clubs giving it a go."

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