A Burnham-On-Sea runner jetted over to America to compete in the Chicago Marathon at the weekend.
Sue Nicholls, 70, completed the marathon in an impressive time of three hours and 58 minutes, making her the fastest in her age group.
This is the second of the big six Marathons that Sue has run after completing London five times previously, and is now signed up for her third major, the Boston event in April next year.
Sue said: “The weather in the Windy City lived up to its name as a strong breeze was felt throughout the course, but unseasonably high temperatures in the mid-20s also tested the competitors.”
“The route covering 26.2 miles started in the historic Grant Park, wound its way through the skyscrapers and suburbs, and then finished back in the park sitting alongside Lake Michigan.”
Sue – who is an enthusiastic member of the Burnham Harriers – arrived in Chicago last Thursday and spent a couple of days sightseeing before joining the travelling 664 Brits and 45,000 other competitors in this annual World Marathon Major.
Once she had completed the run, she adedd: “I had a great start and finish to the race, but struggled in the middle phase with the heat and gusty conditions. After a good time at the Burnham half last weekend I had hoped to go under 3hours 50, but the conditions were against me. I have loved visiting Chicago, and this was a really well run event so I hope to come back again next year.”
Two other competitors from Somerset competed in the event, Simon Denson from Wellington and Stephen Milne from Bath. Sue shone, finishing top of her age grade, beating the next competitor by over an hour.
