Runner who came last in marathon praises support

The final runner to cross the finish line in the Jersey Marathon has praised the "amazing" support she received.

Agata Rutkowska completed the 26.2 mile (42km) course in six hours and 55 minutes on Sunday.

She was cheered on by crowds as she came to the end of her challenge, which brought her to tears.

"I did cry to be honest because the support there was so amazing," she said. "I didn't expect that."

Rutkowska, from Widnes Wasp Running Club, is an experienced marathon runner but she has recently suffered health complications.

"I had a health problem which meant I put some weight on and now I'm slow, but I've still got the memory in my muscles," she said.

"I would recommend marathons to slow runners as well because it's still a big achievement finishing them.

"I would like to invite other people to take a part in Jersey Marathon too because it's gorgeous, with gorgeous views and gorgeous atmosphere and support from people."

Karl Fitzpatrick, the six-hour pacer for the Jersey Marathon, agreed speed was not the most important aspect of running the race.

"We all get the same medal," he said.

"We've got to respect and appreciate that there were people out there that were running between five to six hours.

"I just wanted to make sure that they got across the line successfully."

More than 2,000 runners took part in the 21st Jersey Marathon.

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