Mother of four Neal smashed the Bailiwick of Guernsey record by over four minutes, but only bettered Parker’s time – also set over the fast London course – by 37 seconds.
Neal, who won a silver medal in the 2005 Island Games 10,000m and a bronze in the half-marathon, was, understandably, ‘pretty pleased’ with her time.
Said Parker, who set the previous record in 1987, aged 26, said: ‘Congratulations to Nikki, I must send her a card.
Let’s hope it motivates others to get out and start running.’ Parker, who has been hit hard by injuries over the past two years or so, still has the competitive urge and has not ruled out a bid to make the half marathon team for the NatWest Island Games in Rhodes next year.
‘But at the moment, I’m really interested in possibly training someone ahead of the this year’s Jersey Marathon,’ said the former Island Games champion.
‘Anyone interested can give me a call on 852120.’ Jersey also had plenty to cheer about on Sunday.
Jersey Spartan AC had a ladies team on the elite start line for only the second time in the club’s history and all three runners achieved personal bests for the 26.2-mile distance.
They were led home by Sarah Bruce (38), in 3.06.08, closely followed by Carol Knight (45), in 3.06.15, her fastest marathon by a remarkable eight minutes, and Kerry Petulla (27), in 3.14.14.
Postman Jon Coote (40) was the fastest Jersey Spartan – and CI runner – finishing his first-ever marathon in 2.54.46.
Two others ducked under three hours – René Raimondo (35), in 2.55.38, and Graham Horsley (32), in 2.58.01, his fastest by over six minutes – and they were followed by Glenn Robinson (41), delighted to finish his 15th marathon in 3.05.21, just two minutes outside his previous best.
