Ronnie reigns in Spain

Bideford Amateur Athletic Club has proudly announced the outstanding performance of their very own Ronnie Richmond at the Valencia Marathon in Spain.

Competing against a formidable elite field, Ronnie achieved a personal best time of 2:15:02, securing an impressive third place in the V40 category and finishing 69th overall.

This remarkable feat places Ronnie as the fourth fastest British V40 runner of all time, a testament to his dedication and hard work.

Notably, two of the three athletes ahead of him are Olympians, Mo Farah and Chris Thompson, highlighting the significance of Ronnie’s achievement.

The Valencia Marathon, held on December 1, 2024, is renowned for its fast course with thousands of runners from around the globe participating in this prestigious event with the aim of achieving personal bests and record-breaking performances.

Ronnie’s journey was not without its challenges. He suffered a fall at the start line but demonstrated incredible resilience by picking himself up and continuing with the race. His determination and perseverance paid off, leading to his outstanding finish.

“We are incredibly proud of Ronnie’s performance,” said Gemma Steele, Bideford AAC Chairman. “His dedication to the sport and his relentless pursuit of excellence serve as an inspiration to all our members. Achieving such a time in a highly competitive field, especially after a fall, is nothing short of extraordinary.

Ronnie’s achievement at the Valencia Marathon is a milestone for both him and the club, showcasing the high level of talent and commitment within Bideford Amateur Athletic Club.

Gemma added: “We look forward to supporting Ronnie in his future endeavours and celebrating more successes together.”

For more information, please contact: Gemma Steele, Chairman of Bideford Amateur Athletic Club at runners@bidefordaac.co.uk

Bideford Amateur Athletic Club is dedicated to promoting athletics and supporting athletes of all levels in achieving their personal bests. With a strong community spirit and a commitment to excellence, the club provides training, support, and opportunities for athletes to compete at local, national, and international levels.