Barking Roadrunners Manchester Success, Barking 2026

Key Points

• Three members of Barking Roadrunners competed in the Manchester Marathon, finishing with times of 4:13.25 for Jason Suddaby, 4:34.18 for Debra Jean Baptiste, and 5:57.21 for Stephanie Rashbrook.
• Jason Suddaby was the first Barking Roadrunner to finish the Manchester Marathon.
• Debra Jean Baptiste followed as the second Barking Roadrunner across the line.
• Stephanie Rashbrook completed the Manchester Marathon with notable determination despite the challenging course.
• Emma Paisley, another club member, tackled the 80k Peak Divide ultra from Manchester to Sheffield over two days.
• Emma Paisley covered 42k on the first day and 38k on the second day of the Peak Divide ultra.
• The Peak Divide ultra featured tough trail terrain, testing endurance.

Barking (East London Times) April 22, 2026 – Three members of Barking Roadrunners travelled north to compete in the Manchester Marathon, posting strong finishes across the full distance.

Who Were the Barking Roadrunners at Manchester Marathon?

The Barking Roadrunners delegation made a solid showing at the Manchester Marathon. Jason Suddaby led the club effort, crossing the finish line in 4:13.25.

He was followed closely by Debra Jean Baptiste, who clocked 4:34.18. Stephanie Rashbrook brought up the rear for the trio, finishing in 5:57.21 after demonstrating great determination on the course.

These times reflect the commitment of the Barking Roadrunners club members to tackling major road races. Suddaby’s performance placed him as the quickest from the club, while Baptiste maintained a steady pace throughout. Rashbrook’s finish, in particular, highlighted resilience over the 26.2-mile distance.

What Challenges Did Stephanie Rashbrook Face?

Stephanie Rashbrook showed great determination to complete the Manchester Marathon course in 5:57.21.

As a known ultra-distance competitor with a UTMB Index of 244, her participation in the road marathon added variety to her racing portfolio. This finish came amidst a weekend of running activity for the club.

Rashbrook’s effort aligns with her broader trail running achievements, including a 40th place finish among women in the Jurassic Coast Challenge 100km earlier in 2025. Her marathon completion underscores the physical demands of transitioning between road and trail formats.

How Did Emma Paisley Perform in the Peak Divide Ultra?

Club member Emma Paisley faced a major challenge at the Peak Divide ultra, an 80k event from Manchester to Sheffield spread over two days.

She covered 42k on day one before tackling a further 38k on day two. This produced an impressive endurance performance across tough trail terrain.

The Peak Divide ultra, held in past editions like 2023, tests runners with rugged Pennine trails linking the two cities. Paisley’s split-day approach allowed her to manage the demanding 80k distance, navigating elevation and remote paths.

Why Did Barking Roadrunners Head North?

Barking Roadrunners members headed north this weekend for high-profile events. The Manchester Marathon drew Jason Suddaby, Debra Jean Baptiste, and Stephanie Rashbrook, while Emma Paisley extended her efforts into the Peak Divide ultra.

These races represent key fixtures in the British running calendar, attracting club athletes from across the country.

The club’s participation highlights a pattern of members seeking out northern challenges. Manchester’s flat, fast course suits marathon goals, whereas the Peak Divide offers ultra specialists a multi-day test.

What Makes the Manchester Marathon a Popular Choice?

The Manchester Marathon, held annually in spring, provides a PB-friendly course through the city’s streets. Barking Roadrunners’ trio capitalised on this, with Suddaby’s 4:13.25 marking a commendable club-leading time. Debra Jean Baptiste’s 4:34.18 followed, showing consistent pacing.

Stephanie Rashbrook’s 5:57.21 finish, achieved with great determination, rounded out the efforts. The event’s timing aligns with spring training cycles for many UK clubs.

How Demanding Was the Peak Divide Ultra for Emma Paisley?

Emma Paisley’s weekend finished in Sheffield after starting in Manchester for the 80k Peak Divide ultra. The two-day format saw her complete 42k initially, then 38k the next day.

Tough trail terrain defined the route, demanding sustained endurance.

This performance stands out for its multi-day structure, rare in ultra events. Paisley’s effort mirrors the event’s history as a pioneering challenge between major northern cities.

What Role Does Dagenham 88 Play?

The original report mentions Dagenham 88 alongside Barking Roadrunners in the weekend running context, though specific results for its members were not detailed in the coverage.

As a local club in the East London running scene, Dagenham 88 often shares the regional spotlight with Barking Roadrunners at major events.

This joint mention suggests coordinated weekend racing activity among Essex and East London clubs. Further details on Dagenham 88 entrants would clarify their contributions.

Broader Context of Club Racing

Barking Roadrunners’ outings reflect the vibrant local running community in areas like Barking and Dagenham. Events like the Manchester Marathon and Peak Divide ultra draw athletes seeking diverse challenges. Suddaby, Baptiste, Rashbrook, and Paisley’s results contribute to the club’s ongoing narrative of regional representation.

These performances occur amid a busy spring season for UK road and trail races. Club members’ travels north exemplify the national scope of grassroots athletics.

Background of the Development

The Manchester Marathon has established itself as a staple event since 1908, with modern editions drawing thousands to its out-and-back course from the city centre. Barking Roadrunners, based in East London, regularly sends members to such races as part of its competitive calendar.

The Peak Divide ultra, a newer addition first run in 2023, covers approximately 80km of Pennine trails from Manchester to Sheffield, often split over two days to accommodate the rugged terrain. Dagenham 88, another local club, shares training grounds and events with Barking Roadrunners, fostering a supportive Essex running ecosystem. These weekend exploits build on prior club achievements, including Stephanie Rashbrook’s ultra finishes like the Jurassic Coast Challenge.

Prediction: Impact on the Local Running Community

This development can affect local running enthusiasts and clubs in East London by showcasing achievable results at national events, potentially boosting membership sign-ups among Barking and Dagenham residents. Runners may draw inspiration from times like Jason Suddaby’s 4:13.25 or Emma Paisley’s 80k ultra completion, encouraging more to target Manchester Marathon entries or trail ultras.

Clubs such as Barking Roadrunners and Dagenham 88 could see increased training group participation, as members emulate Stephanie Rashbrook’s determination or Debra Jean Baptiste’s steady pacing. Organisers of regional parkruns and Essex races might note heightened interest, leading to fuller fields at local fixtures. Overall, such visible successes reinforce the appeal of club running for fitness and competition within the community.