THE Virgin London Marathon took place in glorious sunshine earlier this month — and among the 3,500 entrants, were seven from Tavistock Athletic Club.

The day had started overcast and ideal for running, but by the time the competitors reached Tower Bridge, where Dotty Allan's son George was waiting to cheer local runners on, skies had cleared and the temperature was rising.

The route continued through Docklands, and back along the Embankment for the last testing few miles, past Big Ben to the finish on Pall Mall.

First TAC back was Adam Holland in 2hrs, 59mins, 12secs. Dotty Allan ran the race of her life to finish in 3.48.18 gaining a Personal Best — nearly 13 minutes faster than her 2009 time. Roger Hewitt was next home in 3.51.40. Nicole Heryet's hard training paid off as she knocked 10 minutes off her 2007 time to finish in 3.57.44. Next to cross the line was Gillian Court in 4.10.12, followed by Andy Houghton running his first marathon, coming 51st in the M65 group in 4.12.49. Andrew Alcock achieved a PB in 4.22.26, gaining five minutes over last year. Alison Eagleton overcame her injury to complete the 26.2 miles in 5.37.41.

A smaller event nearer home was the Taunton Marathon.

All four TAC entrants excelled on the undulating course. Charlie Lloyd was first home in a fast 3.03.47. Tony Symons won his age group in 3.06.50, with Chris Eastaugh a mere four seconds behind. Rebecca Mingo had a great run to win the Senior Ladies category in 3.32.11.

Jo Meek and John Marshall competed in the Taunton Half finishing in 1.22.10 and 1.48.48 respectively, Jo running strongly to win her age group.