Record triple major race wins for Onchan woman in 2023

Lorna Gleave was the first woman across the Parish Walk finish line in June

A woman who won a record three major Manx athletics events in 2023 said she had not been sure even one win was within her "reach" in January.

Lorna Gleave, from Onchan, was the first person to win the End to End challenge, Syd Quirk Half Marathon and Parish Walk in the same year.

She scored her first win just months after having a baby in late 2022.

Part of race walking group Manx Harriers, said put her success down to the support she had from everyone.

"It's a team effort all the way," she said.

The race walker said training for walks was good for her mental health

David Griffiths of the Isle of Man Athletics Association said: "It's the first the time we've had anyone, male or female, winning all three of those particular events."

He said Gleave had "such a good walking technique" and "a very efficient style" that made her technically very good and meant she was "not wasting energy".

For her to "come back stronger than ever" after taking a pregnancy break had been "an inspiration to other people", he added.

The mother-of-three said parents tended to put themselves "on the back burner a lot", but the race events were a good way to "make time for yourself".

Gleave said: "When you become a mum your time becomes really precious, so to get out and have those walks and have that time to yourself, it's really needed."

She said she hoped her achievements would inspire other parents to take part in some of the island's community events.

"It's really good for your mental health... I'm definitely a better person when I come back through the front door after being out for an hour or so," she said.

The Onchan resident said as a mother of three she was proud to share her success

Gleave said she felt "so content" with her achievements in 2023, which were particularly poignant in the last year of her current age category.

She said her next ambition was to tackle the challenge of a 100-mile (160km) walk, which take place on the island "every few years".

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