AFTER all the hard training the big day finally arrived on Sunday for the West Devon athletes were among the thousands who took part in this year’s Virgin Marathon London Marathon.

A long cold winter of long distance training was rewarded by finishers medals for two lady members of the Bere Alston Trekkers.

Nicola Munday and Alison Greaves made the journey to the capital to take part in the prestigious run which raises amounts of money for charity.

This year’s race was the hottest on record since 1981 when the race was first staged but the motto ‘BATs do it in all weathers’ was a truism, and two ladies from Bere Alston Trekkers lined up with more than 40,000 other runners, from elite athletes to club runners, amateurs and professionals alike, to pound the Tarmac around the iconic sights on the city amid temperatures of 24.1C (75.3F).

Running in aid of St Luke’s Hospice, MIND and the Huntington’s Disease Association, Nicola crossed the line in 5 hours 23 minutes 24 seconds and Alison Greaves in 5.44.53 and a well earned rest for both ladies.

Four athletes from Tavistock Run Project donned their racing trainers to take part in the legendary London Marathon this weekend. 

The first to race was Ollie Smart who had been selected to race in the Mini Marathon - for junior elite athletes. He put in a stirling performance to finish within the top ten of this highly prestigious junior race, where the best junior runners from all over the country compete in their respective age groups.

Meanwhile in the main marathon the gruelling 26.2 miles through the amazing sights of London was well under way.

Jordan Andrews and Samantha Lake of TRP had gained British Championship places based on times they had previously achieved in marathons. This meant they started at the front of the race just behind the likes of British Olympic star Mo Farrah, who ended up third overall.

Vicky Moore also gained a place through her charity TUSK to run in the red start zone. 

It soon became clear just how tough conditions were for the athletes; with many finding the record breaking heat almost unbearable. Vicky ran a great first half but sadly was suddenly taken very ill with suspected heat stroke at the half way point. She gave it her all and although it did not work out as planned this time they she will be back to smash many more marathons in the future! 

Equally, Jordan and Sam found the conditions extremely tough both finishing in times slightly slower than previous years, however given the conditions they should both be very pleased to have accomplished such a feat of endurance in such tough conditions.