A DISTANCE runner is celebrating breaking two records in one day.
Dave Fulford, who runs for Glaxo Hoad Hill Harriers in Ulverston, ran the Manchester half-marathon on Sunday. He ran the 13 miles in just 1hr 14mins and 33sec. Mr Fulford not only set a new club record for the distance, he also broke his own personal best.
Out of the 9,000 runners taking part in the race, Mr Fulford was placed 47th.
Mr Fulford said: "This is the first time Manchester has done this half-marathon. They advertised it as this flat course, I thought I'd have a go at that.
Mr Fulford has run half-marathons before, including the Great South Run and the Windermere half-marathon but this was his first outing in Manchester.
His route saw him start just south of Salford, and saw him run past Old Trafford, through Stretford and down into Sale before running back the way he came to finish outside Trafford Town Hall.
He said: "I travel around a lot to run, there aren't a huge number of races around here to challenge yourself."
Running alongside elite athletes, Mr Fulford felt confident going into the race. He said: "The first six miles were OK, what happened at eight miles was the elite women came by. I tried to stick with them which I shouldn't have.
"The last two miles were real agony."
In spite of the pain he felt, knowing he was close to his personal best pushed Mr Fulford on to the end.
After crossing the finish line, he realised because of his incredibly fast time, he had automatically guaranteed himself a spot in the most iconic road race in the world.
His time of 1hr 15mins means he automatically qualifies for the 2017 and 2018 London Marathons, meaning he will skip the usual ballot system.
Because of a busy life at home, Mr Fulford will not run the marathon in 2017, but will take up the challenge the following year.
He said: "I've never run a marathon before, it would be my first time in 2018 having a go."
Mr Fulford, who lives in Haverigg, works as a nuclear safety engineer at BAE Systems and has lived in the area for 11 years.
The 37-year-old runs regularly, and has been involved with the Hoad Hill Harriers for 10 years.
Working in an environment of constant noise and activity, and having two young children, he enjoys the space and detachment running gives him.
He said: "Why do I run? It's a tricky one to answer. I'm sure a lot of people in the yard wonder why I go out running at lunchtime. It gives you the time to clear your head.
"You feel elation, you feel this runner's high."
On top of the health benefits associated with running, Mr Fulford has found a team spirit with the Harriers he's not found anywhere else.
He said: "I've met quite a few friends through the club. You rarely get that kind of camaraderie outside the club. The social side of running is brilliant."
After his record-breaking run, Mr Fulford is enjoying a well-earned rest from running. In the aftermath of his efforts he described his calves as "a bit wrecked".
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Read more here about the endurance races and athletes from the area:
An adrenaline junkie has completed a 105 mile trek through the Scottish Highlands.
Read about the second Ulverston Marathon which was a resounding success
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