Marathon: Robinson targets London success in April

12:50pm Thursday 2nd September 2010

By Patrick O'Kane

MARATHON sensation Rebecca Robinson is targetting a strong run in the London Marathon in 2011 after claiming team bronze with Great Britain in the European Championships.

Robinson, 27, who runs for Kendal Athletics Club, had been pinpointed to compete in the Commonwealth Games in Delhi in October, but she believes the April marathon is a more realistic ambition.

She said: “It is difficult because the Commonwealths would be an amazing chance but I have already done two marathons more than I planned for this year. My preparations for Barcelona were limited and I would like time to give myself a good shot in London.”

Robinson started running aged eight, and since catching the running bug, has not looked back.

She said: “As I moved through school, the support of PE teachers at St Anne’s and joining Kendal AC spurred me on to competition…until running was simply in my blood. My first interschools race was at Barrow, where I quickly learnt what cross-country was all about - being elbowed by a competitor and falling flat on my face in the mud!”

Inspired by greats such as Haile Gebressalaisie, Joss Naylor and Paula Radcliffe, Robinson is in the process of moving from cross-country running to marathons, and in spectacular style - finishing 20th in her first marathon and claiming team bronze at the European Championships in just her second race.

Robinson said: “I cannot remember watching the London marathon and not wishing I was there. I also remember being in Central Park aged about four and watching the marathon there, so I have always wanted to compete. I really enjoyed London, but it was a very new experience and I’ve lots to learn.

“I think I’ve only just touched on the edges of marathon running; some of my friends who run 10km train further and I’ve an awful lot to work on and learn about the distance.”

And with the marathon in mind, Robinson, along with coach Steve Priestley, is turning her winter focus to speed work over shorter distances, starting with the Great North Run in October.

Priestley said: “By doing shorter 5km and 10km races we can develop speed to help with the latter end of races and then we can build on the distance as we prepare for London.”

While the Olympics is creeping into her mindset, Robinson is all too aware of her roots though and believes her Cumbrian stomping ground set her on the road to success.

She said: “Since joining Kendal AC, I’ve always been in awe of the dedication of the local coaches, especially Steve and Diane Priestley, who inspire youngsters but also bring them through. You cannot get better facilities than the fells.

“It would be fantastic to be in London in two years, but I think I can only contemplate it in terms of really committing and it would mean adapting my lifestyle a great deal to reach for that goal…so the challenge is out there!”