Capital Marathon

Fourteen Hermitage Harriers took part in one of the world’s most popular marathons this weekend - the Virgin Money London Marathon.

Some outstanding performances were delivered on the day from both experienced and first time marathoners. Matt Adcock had an amazing race and crossed the finishing line in 40th position with a time 2 hours 28 minutes and 39 seconds. He was joined minutes later by team-mate Tony Woodward who claimed 79th place in 2 hours 32 minutes and 13 seconds. The Harriers sub three hour hat-trick was completed by Shaun Coulton who crossed the line in 2.47.10 and finished 18th in his category. The times by the three men put them ahead of retired rower James Cracknell, who is a London Marathon regular, as well as super-fit Formula One driver Jenson Button.

Finishing just over the three hour mark was Marc Schulz who ran an impressive race to finish in 3.06.11. Dean Kelleher, who won his place in the Harriers’ club ballot, was next Harrier home with a fantastic time of 3.46.12. Alan Percival and Rob Hickey also finished the marathon in less than 4 hours with times of 3.51.31 and 3.55.40 respectively.

The next Harrier over the line did so in tremendous style by setting a 71 minute personal best! Darryl Johnson, who ran to raise money for Children with Cancer UK, completed the marathon in 4.27.49. Ailsa Rowles, who also won her place in the club ballot, was the next finisher for the Harriers with a time of 4.41.25. A relatively new face at the club, Jane Tebbatt, certainly did her team-mates proud when she finished in less than 5 hours with a time of 4.57.38.

Raising money for JDRF which aims to cure, treat and prevent type 1 diabetes, Caroline Townsend finished the London Marathon in 5.11.56. Tracey Richardson-Lyne, made it to the start line despite being plagued by injury, and managed to complete her marathon journey in a respectable 5.20.08. Team-mate Lisa Collins wasn’t too far behind her, crossing the finishing mat after 5 hours 35 minutes and 25 seconds. The final Harrier home was Edward Quinn who crossed the mat in 7 hours and 2 minutes.

The club’s success at the London Marathon was hot on the heels of impressive performances at Manchester Marathon the weekend before. Ryan Twigg and James Willoughby both drove north to tackle the 26.2 mile course with impressive results. Marathon first timer Twigg finished the event in an outstanding 2 hours 46 minutes and 54 seconds, just ahead of team-mate Willoughby who delivered and equally amazing result with a time of 2 hours 47 minutes and 33 seconds. Both men were delighted with their performances and hope their results will secure them a place to compete in the London Marathon.

Meanwhile, a new club vet40 record was set by Paul Gregory who delivered an astounding 5k race at the Derby Midweek Race. Paul was the first vet athlete over the line in a time of 17 minutes and 19 seconds. Whilst Paul was delighted to take the vet40 top spot in the Harriers 5k Hall of Fame, he doesn’t plan on resting on his laurels and is keen to improve his time further.