TAVISTOCK runner Andy Houghton can rightly be proud of his efforts at this year’s London Marathon.

The Tamar Trails Runner has had a number of setbacks recently on the health front but he had been out in all weathers to be fit after earning a place in the prestigious marathon that took place on Sunday.

Andy, aged 71, said: ‘I like to think that I represent the elderly end of the running spectrum these days especially after having an issue with two minor strokes last year, a serious bike crash, and a running injury for most of the year.

‘So although my time this year of 4 hours 31 minutes is 55 minutes slower than two years ago and I finished 23 in my age category as opposed to sixth two years ago I am still feeling pretty pleased with myself. I did have to slow down a bit after 12 miles and a lot after 20 due to a muscle problem in my thigh and probably the residual effects of a medication problem that affected my training in February and March. It was certainly very warm but I may have been fortunate to do some training the previous weekend by the Rhine at Düsseldorf (at an exhibition) where the weather was a lot warmer than we had been having here.

‘There were only 174 male 70 plus runners taking part which is a pity because it is clearly well within the capability of a lot more than this.’