TAVISTOCK and districts were well represented at the 2010 Virgin London Marathon with seven runners from Tavistock Athletic Club and Bere Alston Treckers.
The runners joined 36,000 others in one of the world's largest marathons, which winds its way from Blackheath to Greenwich, across Tower Bridge and through Docklands and the City to the finish line by Buckingham Palace. The runners braved an early morning down pour and then heat and humidity along the gruelling 26.2 miles.
First of the Tavistock runners past the post was Tony Symons, of Tavistock Athletic Club, who completed the course in a superb 2 hours 51.
Stannary Hasher and TAC member Martyn Williams finished 4hrs 10mins while. TAC Andrew Alcock ran a personal best of 4.27, marathon debutees John Marshall in 4.32 and Jane Carroll in 6.02.
Bere Alston Treckers also joined the race, with Pam Adams finishing in 4:28 and Simon Griffiths in 4:31.
'It was an amazing experience from start to finish.' said Andrew Alcock. 'The crowds of well wishers were incredible, with such a lot of support. The race itself was punishment all the way. I just kept on going — with the voice of my coach from TAC in my head telling me not to slow down, particularly over the last 10 miles.'
'I overtook Richard Branson. In fact I very nearly tripped over one of his personal trainers, such was the sheer number of runners.'
TAC members also took part in the Taunton Marathon, where they were 213 finishers, with more hills to climb and considerably fewer spectators. The club's Ray Bennett excelled, coming second in his M70 age-category. Husband and wife team Sam and Paul Marshall both gained sixth places in their respective groups, and first club runner home was Pete Bazley, finishing ninth M50+. Full times were as follows: Peter Bazley 3.41.28, Paul Marshall 4.01.07, Ray Bennett 4.04.02, Ewan Miller 4.07.55, Sam Marshall 4.35.52.
At the same event, John Marshall competed in the Half Marathon, gaining a personal best for the distance in 1.42.20.
Athlete of the month is Hazel Walker and following some determined winter training, has seen her race times drop quite dramatically - gaining personal bests for both the half marathon (at Bideford) and over 10k at Plympton when she finished in 55 mins, 8 sec.
Also competing in that race was friend Sarah Brown, running her first race with the club and finishing in a creditable 55 minutes.
TAC training nights are Tuesday and Thursday, starting at 6.15 in the new sports centre at Tavistock College. See the club website on Tavistockathletics.com or call 01822 612577 for more information.