This Is Guernsey

By Rob Batiste

IT IS not often a Sarnian name features on the same results list as Haile Gebrselassie. But Matthew Wood can now claim that honour after having completed the Dubai Marathon.

The Guernsey Road Runners member was the only Channel Islander competing in the event and he came home in 3hr 28min. 59sec.

‘I have competed in seven marathons in the last three years,’ said the 42-year-old, who works for Marsh Management.

‘My fastest was 3-01 in Paris last year.

‘Although I was a bit slower in this one, I was still happy to finish in 3-28.’

Wood’s time was all the more remarkable considering he took on the challenge at relatively short notice.

‘I was reading an article about Dubai hosting major sporting events and wondered if they had a marathon there,’ he said.

‘It turns out they did, in only eight weeks’ time, and the legendary Haile Gebrselassie was going to be there.

‘The event is very small by big city marathon standards, with fewer than 1,000 competitors. But because of the huge prize money on offer, it attracts top athletes.

‘That is the closest my name will ever be to Haile Gebrselassie’s on a results sheet.’

Wood added that there were few distractions during the race.

‘The course is fast and flat and ideal for getting your head down and running, with only the odd mosque to look at on the way - not like the New York Marathon with all the sights to see on the way around.’