The Original Mountain Marathon

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Birkinshaw and Lennox Win the Elite

Rob Howard / 25.10.2009

<b>11.55</b> When the first Elite finishers crossed the line in bright sunshine around 11.35am, it was not the overnight leaders Jon Morgan and Al Powell, but the second placed overnight team, Steve Birkinshaw and Jethro Lennox.

The winners had made up their 8 minute deficit and opened a winning lead. "We thought it might take 3 hours or so to catch them," said Lennox, "but we caught them near CP2 and then ran together for a long time, through to CP5. Then Steve saw Al stop to tie his lace and he was off! We really went for it then and were strong enough to pull away.

"Steve was a bit tired yesterday but we were stronger today and he used all his experience to help us win. He hit all the controls perfectly so his nav was spot on."

Lennox has been the best mountain marathon runner by far as this is his 3rd race and his 3rd win! He won the LAMM and BAMM and can now add the OMM elite title. "I've also run two road marathons and a trail marathon" he said, "so that is enough marathons for this year!"

For Birkinshaw it was his 7th OMM Elite win and he is closing in on Mark Seddon's record of 10 titles. "We were going well," he said, "and when Al tied his lace that 15 seconds was enough to make our break!"
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