Natasha Wilson Smashes Welsh Marathon Record in Valencia

Wilson’s mark — coming in the same race where Clara Evans had set the previous Welsh record two years ago — places her among the leading British female marathon runners this season and proved she is back to her best after recent injury problems.

The Wales Commonwealth Games athlete – who previously competed under her maiden name, Natasha Cockram, finished 10th and was the first Briton home in the women’s race, ahead of compatriots including Lily Partridge. 

READ MORE: Natasha Wilson and Dan Nash Crowned Welsh Champions as Yismaw Dillu and Miriam Chebet Shine in Cardiff Half Marathon

Wilson’s time was almost two minutes faster than her previous personal best and smashed the previous Welsh women’s marathon record of 2:25:04 – held by Evans – by 42 seconds.

While the men’s race produced headline-grabbing performances, including a second-fastest British time ever by Alex Yee (2:06:38), Wilson was first home among the British women.

There was also a very impressive debut marathon run by Wales’ Commonwealth Games track athlete Jenny Nesbitt, who finished in a time of 2:32:28.

Kenyan Joyciline Jepkosgei  won in the fastest time of the year in 2:14:00, beating compatriot Peres Jepchirchir (2:14:43), with Belgium’s Chloe Herbiet (2:20:38) the best of the rest in third.