Paul Thompson (pictured) celebrated a hat-trick with a third successive victory in the Manx Mountain Marathon. He claimed the honours in a time of 4 hours 54 mins, with runner-up Simon Skillicorn four minutes behind and Alan Smalls completing the top three line-up.Tony Okell did lie in third place at one point but, after twisting an ankle, came home in ninth place.There was also an impressive local showing from Tom Cringle, while Louise Staples (39th overall), produced an excellent effort to take the women’s title ahead of Debbie Thompson.Andy Howser was the winner of the half marathon, with local athlete Rob Webb in second place.The first women finisher was Hazel Jones in an impressive fifth overall.