SIX runners from Tavistock Athletic Club took part in the Virgin Money London Marathon last weekend, in weather conditions that made for the hottest and hardest on record. 

Despite the brutal conditions they all had fantastic runs.  Andy Houghton led the team in with a time of 4 hours 31 minutes, then Heidi Brodribb 4hrs 44mins, Ian Collacott 4hrs 55mins, Richard Nettleship 5hrs 02mins, Emma Webber 5hrs 6hrs, and Sarah Prior 5hrs 35mins.  

The team then re-assembled and joined friends from Tamar Trail Runners on Saturday, who organised a ‘Finish for Matt’ run, in memory of Matt Campbell, the London Marathon runner who tragically died whilst running the race.

n WHILE other Tavistock Athletics Club members were achieving success in the heat of the London Marathon, two other club athletes were running in similarly hot conditions in the Southampton event.

They both produced great performances. Adam Holland completed the marathon in 2 hours 46 minutes and 20 seconds for an overall third place finish and David Twine competing in the half marathon, finished in 1hr 34mins 56secs earning second place in the male aged 60+ category.

n A NEW era of distance running in Wales is underway after the inaugural ABP Newport Wales Marathon and 10K proved a triumph for participants, spectators and the city.

The nation’s new premier marathon was a hit as thousands of runners enjoyed perfect marathon conditions and a fever-pitch atmosphere in the heart of the city centre before setting off on the flat 26.2-mile course alongside the River Usk.

Jason Shipton from Tavistock AC ran a good race 2011; he ran his best marathon 3 hours 36 minutes 06 seconds and over the last few years could never get close to it. After trying to get into London for the past 11 years and missing out every year Jason decided to enter the new marathon in Wales Newport marathon. He felt good running the first 13 miles hitting 13.1 in 1.43 until the last 10k when legs felt heavy but he was not going to let the 3.30 pacer overtake him so he dug in hard to keep the pacer behind him and finishing the Newport marathon in 3.29.22 – a personal best by seven minutes.

Jason said it was emotional race and hearing someone in the crowd say that the 3.30 pacer was behind him gave him the boost to keep going and gave him a bit more energy to get to the finish before the pacer. He said he really enjoyed the course and will go back next year.