26/05/2026
JESS MARTIN - EUROPA CUP 10000m
After a break of 8 years from serious international athletics and starting a family of 3 children with her husband, former professional road cyclist Dan, Jess Martin has returned to top international athletics by competing for GB in the European Cup 10000metres staged in La Spiezia, Italy.
54 women representing over 20 European nations were split into 2 races with Jess in the faster A race. In stifling temperatures it was going to be a tough.
Jess started sensibly and in the 3rd group, but by half way had got back to those athletes who had started quicker. Unfortunately she found herself isolated in the later stages but hung on well to finish in 16th place leading home the GB team of 4 athletes in a time of 33min 09.61sec.
With 3 to score in the team event, GB just missed out on the bronze medal by finishing 4th whilst host nation Italy won the gold.
Jess whose family are based on the Island now lives in Andorra but is a first claim member of Ryde Harriers.
Before starting a family Jess ( maiden name Andrews ) won the trial for the Olympic Games over 10000m where she then competed for Great Britain in the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro where she finished in an outstanding 16 position in her personal best time of 31min 35.92sec and also came 7th in the European Championships in Amsterdam in the same season.
Ryde Harriers Coach Geoff Watkin said, ‘’After only one year back of serious training it’s clear that Jess has the ability and enthusiasm to get herself to the very top of British distance running again.
This was an excellent performance in very difficult conditions so she can clearly run much faster, and it will be a delight to see her competing in major races in Ryde Harriers colours.’’
