Long Eaton runners take London by storm

On Sunday 13th April 2008 22 Long Eaton runners made the trip to London to compete in the Marathon.

The weather conditions were almost perfect which certainly contributed to some great times being achieved, including an abundance of personal bests, most notably from Caroline Waterhouse (3:46:57, 6855th) who knocked fifteen minutes off her personal best time, Sarah Crannage (3:45:35, 965th) who knocked twelve minutes off her previous best and Andrei Vais (3:35:20, 4973rd) and Phil Abbott (3:16:20 and 2510th) who both knocked ten minutes off their previous best times.

Personal bests were also achieved by Andy Colegate (2:44:58), Paul Lewis (2:49:38, 464th), Shaun Burton (3:56:41, 8844th) and Monica Fee (3:17:35 and 131st).

First home for the club was Andy McNeil who completed the course in 2:36:38 finishing in 124th position, followed by Andy Colegate in 309th position. Andy Colegate’s finishing time, along with that achieved by Andy McNeil is of championship qualifying standard which means Andy Colegate will join Andy McNeil on the elite start line next year.

Ian Chant finished in a course best time of 3:00:58 and 1165th overall. Also achieving a course best was Colin Bostock who finished under the magic four hour mark, crossing the line in 3:59:15 and in 9528th position.

Along with an abundance of personal best times, there were a number of great debut performances. Ash Patel achieved 3:22:32, finishing in 3155th position, followed closely by Martin Way who achieved 3:29:56 (4248th position). Mario Rocchelli achieved 3:45:13 (6565th position), with Ian Williams finishing in 4:14:59 (12438th position).

Not to be outdone by the men, four gutsy women took on the challenge of the marathon for the first time at London. Melanie Berry had a cracking race, finishing in 3:58:24. Kate Hamilton put in a strong performance to finish in 4:24:59. Sarah Poole crossed the finish line in 4:58:30, with Rose-Marie Taft completing the course in 5:43:30.

Jon Crannage and Sean Matthews assisted in pacing debut London marathon runners around the course, crossing the line in 3:45:35 and 3:45:47 respectively.

Richard McKie had a great race, despite suffering with a back injury. He crossed the finish line in 4:30:46.

Thanks to all the supporters, including Ladies’ Captain, Jodie Smith, Debbie Coleman and Nicola Bennett and to everyone else who made the journey down to London to lend their support and congratulations to all the runners.







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