WITH only a week to go before their big race, three athletes from Tavistock Athletic Club are tapering their training prior to running the Virgin London Marathon on Sunday, April 21.

Ann Woodhouse, Jackie Ralph and Roger Hewitt have run many miles through the depths of winter in preparation for the event.

Jackie Ralph was the only club member to get a place in the ballot, and this will be her first marathon. She started running just three years ago, when she attended a beginners' jogging group at the club, never thinking that she would ever be capable of running the 26.2 miles that is the marathon. She is running to support ABF The Soldiers Charity, which gives support to soldiers and their families, and would be grateful for donations at http://www.virginmoneygiving.com/jackie.ralph">www.virginmoneygiving.com/jackie.ralph

She thanks Rhian Johnson, Lesley Cowie and Sheila Houghton for all their support and encouragement.

Ann Woodhouse and Roger Hewitt are both competing for the sixth time. Ann's first 'London' was in 1998 when her husband was suffering from leukaemia. Ann ran to raise money for research into the disease, and in so doing fulfilled a lifelong ambition to run a marathon. She has been supported by The Yelling group at the club and also by Samantha and Paul Marshall who have accompanied her on long runs round Burrator reservoir.

Roger is running to raise funds for HeartSwell, a local charity which supports heart patients and their families. If you would like to contribute to the charity, please call Roger on 07977 529638.

Tavistock AC. welcomes runners of all speeds and on Tuesday, April 30, will be starting a ten-week walking/jogging beginners group, the Tavy Joggers. Call 01822 612577 for more information.