Sunday saw the running of the 43rd London marathon. The first time since 2019 that the event has run in the spring after the COVID -19 Pandemic. HRR had 8 roadrunners out there on the course as well as a multitude of supporters along the way, sharing pictures and updates, with the rest of the team tracking and watching from home on the TV.
Having trained super hard last year, Karen Pickering got a championship qualifying time of 3:13.06 at London in October. Championship qualifying time for women is 3:14 regardless of age. This gave Karen guaranteed entry into London marathon again and meant she started right at the front behind the elite men. No pressure Karen!! Karen had a huge task ahead to beat her time from last year if she wanted to PB. Of course she smashed it! Finishing in an outstanding PB time of 3:03.18.
This was Chris Lloyd’s first time running London and he was one of the lucky ones who got a ballot place. His previous marathon PB was 3:16 at Chelmsford. His tough training regime certainly paid off and Chris finished in a superb time of 3:06.44.
Keely Jordan can normally be found off road. After her huge success last October at London she got herself a good for age place for this year. Yet another brilliant run from Keely and she crossed the line in 3:14.51 getting herself a new marathon PB of over 6 minutes.
Tracy English having run Boston marathon only a week ago gave a very impressive performance. Her second race for HRR, she finished full of smiles in 3:30.45.
Bob Langley was running London on his good for age place and it was another incredible run from ‘Big Bob’ with a TV finish in 3:34.33.
This was Rachael Roughan’s fourth London marathon and her second good for age place. Rachael suffered with back issues towards the end of her training but didn’t let that hold her back. She ran a great race! With a wave for her supporters and the cameras, and several appearances on the TV, Rachael crossed the line in 3:41.51, absolutely fantastic!
Alan Fancy also got lucky getting himself a much sought after place in the ballot. Alan previously ran Brighton Marathon a few years ago with his wife, Liz, they started and finished together in a time of 5:20. Alan finished London in 4:26.07. A brilliant run and a massive PB!
Bringing Halstead home was Keith Thorogood. It was Keith’s tenth London marathon and yet another roadrunner with a ballot place. Keith had a great run enjoying the atmosphere and support and crossed the line in 5:56.32.
What a magnificent days running HRR!
