Athletics

Royal Navy runners make an impact at US Marine Corps marathon in Washington, DC

A group of Royal Navy runners have made an impact at the third largest marathon in the United States.

The 50th edition of the US Marine Corps marathon saw 40,000 athletes battle on the streets of Washington, DC in the shadow of such famous landmarks such as the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial.

Daniel Soltys recorded the most eye-catching result for the Royal Navy as he finished fourth with an impressive time of 2 hours, 24 minutes and 31 seconds.

Callum O'Neill came in 20th, with a good time of 2 hours, 31 minutes and 58 seconds, finishing just 17 seconds ahead of his Senior Service teammate Mark Duffett.

Alex Buck, Phil Boal and Adam Colbert made it six out of six male Navy runners in the top 100 as they raced around the 26.2-mile challenge.

In the women's event, Jessie Swift finished in 39th with a time of 3 hours, 3 minutes and 40 seconds, while Heather Scullion came in 96th with a time of 3 hours, 11 minutes and 41 seconds.

In the team events, the Navy's men and women both finished second to the US Marine Corps by a 3-minute, 36-second margin and an 8-minute, 37-second margin, respectively.

Elsewhere, Army athlete Dean Williamson finished the Frankfurt marathon at a speedy 2 hours, 27 minutes and 45 seconds.

It marked officially the fastest marathon time by an Army runner since records began in 1978, while RAF runner Michael Kallenberg stormed to victory in the Snowdonia Marathon with a 2 hours, 33 minutes and 54 seconds run.