Spring sunshine and a sea breeze welcomed around 500 runners to the start line of the Flutter International Hospice Half Marathon on the Isle of Man.
With the high-speed action of the famous TT races and no speed limit roads, the driving was challenging but led to some impressive results for local athletes and overseas visitors.
Corbin Shade scored his first win at the event after finishing fifth last year. With a personal best of 1:12:46, his effort is the IOC Men’s Under-20 half marathon record, beating the previous record held by Paul Clarke from 1981.
Shade, from the Western AC Club, made his Isle of Man debut in the 5,000 meters at the Island Games in Orkney last year.
M40 athlete but still improving Mark Boorman (Manx Fell Runners) also set a PB in second place in 1:13:27.
Lewis Crowe, a relative newcomer to the local athletics scene, completed the podium again with a personal best of 1:14:24.
Krista Kane (Isle of Man Veterans) only started running seriously four years ago and broke the long-standing IOC women’s marathon record of 2:35:31 in Chicago last year (as Sarah Astin narrowly won). Kane was the clear winner in the women’s race in 1:16:35.
Kirsty Barber, the champion of the island for the last two years, took the second place with a score of 1:25:06.
Joan Schade was third in 1:27:23 to beat her own IOC V55 record by nearly four minutes on Sunday. She now holds all IOC records on the road in the women’s 55 category.
Isle of Man Steam Packet UltraMann 50
If you’re interested in a visit to the island, why not combine it with the new 50 mile Ultra Running Challenge this June.
In Aid of Hospice Isle of Man and sponsored by the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, the event takes place on Saturday 26th June.
Expanding the Isle of Man running calendar in 2026 with an exciting new 50-mile Ultra Running event, this new challenging endurance race will see solo runners tackle a stunning 50-mile course showcasing some of the island’s most stunning landscapes.
The course will include sections of the Heritage Trail and the Raad ny Foillan Coastal Walk, offering participants an unforgettable mix of overland trails, rugged coastline and sweeping sea views.
The 50-mile ultra will run alongside the established Race the Sun, an iconic 10-leg relay event where teams of up to 10 runners will complete the entire 90-mile circuit of the island between sunrise and sunset.
The addition of the ultra distance creates an exciting new challenge for individual athletes looking to test their endurance while supporting an important local cause.
Both events will take place on the new date of June 26, with the finish line for both events at North Quay in Douglas, marking a new chapter in Race the Sun and this brand new Ultra challenge. Supported by Douglas City Council and Heron & Brearley Ltd, the pier will be closed to vehicles, allowing for a festival atmosphere with food, drink and music to welcome finishers and their supporters.
“We are thrilled to introduce this new event to the Isle’s sporting community,” said Paula Hutton, Chief Executive of Hospice Isle of Man. “It gives runners the chance to push their limits, experience the beauty of our island and raise funds for a cause that touches so many people.”
“The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company is proud to continue its support of local events,” added Brian Thompson, CEO of The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company.
“This new 50-mile Ultra showcases both the spirit of adventure and sense of community that make the Isle of Man so special.”
