Les Croupiers Running Club Forum

It's been going a lot longer than is claimed. And Croups have played a big part.
The current races, originally organised in 2003 were relatively small to start.
However, before that the Western Mail organised a half marathon, held simultaneously with the full marathon.
The first race, in 1983, saw a double success for Croups through Sandy Johnston and Jackie Hulbert.
And the 1993 race saw our current Course Director Phil Cook triumph in a PB 67:12.

04 Oct 2015 1:02:06 Ben Siwa (Uganda) 1:11:29 Lenah Jerotich (Kenya)
05 Oct 2014 1:02:02 Boniface Kongin (Kenya) 1:12:26 Joan Chelimo (Kenya)
06 Oct 2013 1:01:51 Loitarakwai Lengurisi (Ken) 1:14:21 Purity Kimetto (Kenya)
14 Oct 2012 1:02:21 Andrew Lesuuda (Kenya) 1:11:10 Susan Partridge (Scotland)
16 Oct 2011 1:03:27 Edwin Kiptoo (Kenya) 1:11:26 Alice Mogire (Kenya)
17 Oct 2010 1:02:08 Edwin Kipkorir (Kenya) 1:10:50 Hellen Jemutai (Kenya)
18 Oct 2009 1:05:50 Simon Lawson (Wales) 1:15:03 Genet Measso (Ethiopia)
19 Oct 2008 1:07:48 Simon Jones (Wales) - 3 1:16:41 Alice Braham (England)
14 Oct 2007 1:07:57 Simon Jones (Wales) - 2 1:18:38 Rebecca Harrison (England) - 2
15 Oct 2006 1:07:15 Simon Jones (Wales) 1:18:33 Rebecca Harrison (England)
09 Oct 2005 1:08:38 Phill Sly (Australia) 1:23:07 Kelly Vennus (England)
03 Oct 2004 1:08:28 Adrian Marriott (England) - 2 1:27:46 Helen Yule (Wales)
28 Sep 2003 1:09:27 Adrian Marriott (England) 1:27:24 Claire Peock (England)
* 2010 race was short due to a late course change but no remeasurement.
NB The races 2003-06 were held simultaneously with the Cardiff Marathon (which was subsequently discontinued).

17 Oct 1993 1:07:12 Phil Cook (B&V) 1:22:22 Debbie Chick-Newhams (Newport) &
Barbara Boylan (Cardiff)
11 Oct 1992 1:06:36 Jon Hooper (Bridgend) 1:22:03 Beccy Richardson (Les Croups)
13 Oct 1991 1:06:14 Steve Brace (Bridgend) &
Gareth Davies (Bridgend) 1:23:46 Sue Graham (Torfaen)
02 Sep 1990 1:07:48 Greg Newhams (Bridgend) 1:22:15 Sue Graham (Torfaen)
03 Sep 1989 1:06:37 Jon Hooper (Cardiff) 1:20:59 Sue Graham (Torfaen)
04 Sep 1988
06 Sep 1987 1:04:14 Steve Jones (Newport) 1:13:19 Susan Tooby (Cardiff)
07 Sep 1986
08 Sep 1985 1:07:58 Marcus Thomas (Cardiff) No result printed
09 Sep 1984 1:09:08 Mickey Crowell (Bridgend) No result printed
25 Sep 1983 1:19 Sandy Johnston (Les Croups) 1:28 Jackie Hulbert (Les Croups)

NB The races 1983-86 were held simultaneously with the Western Mail Cardiff Marathon (which was subsequently discontinued). They were essentially "fun runs" to support the main event - the marathon. The first race, in 1983, wasn't even measured, and the consensus was that it was in excess of 14 miles.

You are correct, Karen.
It depends how you see it. If the athletes agree not to race it out, and hold hands as they cross the finishing line, then a tie is the only logical result.
The first London Marathon in 1981 also resulted in a tie between American Dick Beardsley and Norwegian Inge Simonsen.
The press always focussed on that "hand of friendship" in crossing the line, but with titles and money at stake it doesn't happen often.