A NEW race for the Cornish grand prix series took place on Sunday, April 5 with 11 Launceston Road Runners taking part. The course was a multi-terrain race with there being a severe lack of tarmac, quite a challenge for a road running club.

On April 26 it was the London Marathon and Tresco Marathon, at London the club had 12 runners entered and three taking part on Tresco, which involved seven laps of the island so no chance of getting lost.

In London it was a very sunny day and quite warm, though we got two club records from Steve Babb and Julie Towers and a spread of personal bests for runners in both marathons.

In a supporting role 20 or so runners turned out early on marathon day at the Eagle house to run 2.6 miles around town followed by a fried breakfast in the hotel and watch the marathon on TV, not quite the same amount of effort, but we did manage to see at least one of our runners come over the line. I think everyone will agree a tremendous effort by all the marathon runners after months of dedicated training, well done.

Launceston Road Runners results:

April 5 — Trevornick 10M XC CGP: Rich Yates 1hr 15 minutes 52 seconds, John Osborne 1.20.05, Michael Gilbert 1.23.38, Mike Carpenter 1.28.28, Stewart Gynn 1.34.54, Martin Venning 1.35.42, Gary Chater 1.38.43, Sue Burges 1.45.41, Kevin O'Mahoney 1.52.01, Cheryl Leach 2.13.36, Ann Venning 2.13.39. John 2nd Male 60/64, Kevin 2nd Male 65/69, John, Mike, Martin and Kevin were 1st Male Team 55/+

April 26 — London Marathon: Steve Babb 2.48.21 (94.92), Gary Vernon 2.58.08 (86.15), Kevin Marshall 3.05.35 (87.92), Tom Glendinning 3.29.21 (73.31), Julie Towers 3.34.37 (91.36), Peter Kirby 3.47.19 (85.23), Dave King 3.54.47 (75.88), Ann-Marie Chater 3.57.57 (77.41), Laura Lannon 4.04.02 (74.00), Linda Pickard 4.45.38 (76.00), Helen Mason 4.51.33 (65.15), Lavinia Marshall 6.43.06 (53.85). Club records for Steve and Julie. PBOs for Steve, Peter and Linda. PBs for Julie, Dave, Laura, Helen and Lavinia.

April 26 — Tresco Marathon: Sonia Parsons 4.28.48 (65.39), Paul Whybrew 4.28.49 (57.09), Jo Northey 4.36.09 (65.39). PBs for everyone!

Jon Spettigue.