RUNNERS from around the Post area took to the streets of London for the 2016 Marathon on April 24.

Quickest from the area to finish was Mark Clements, who lives in Bude and works at Bond Oxborough Philips Estate Agents’ Wadebridge office. He took on the London Marathon to raise money for The Royal Free Hospital.

His grandfather was treated regularly at the hospital for epilepsy and Mark’s wife’s aunty was recently treated there for a liver transplant.

Mark had previously never run a marathon so undertook many miles of training in the run up to the race.

He said: “I really love staying active. In my job it’s a lot of sitting at a desk or driving to appointments so I like to do something different in my spare time, I find it a good stress release too.

“The hardest part was keeping up with the training even if it was windy or raining.

“I loved every part of it and I would recommend anyone to do it.

“I raised money for a charity close to my heart and everyone’s donations really help keep you training and running the last couple of miles or when you hit the ‘wall’.”

Mark told the Post that the hardest part for him was mile 23, but he battled on and managed to finish the marathon in an impressive 3 hours 30 minutes.

Two women raised more than £2,000 for Lifton Community Centre.

Vin Marshall completed the course in 4.41.04 and Vicky Holt finished in 4.59.24 (pictured left).

Vin said: “We both thoroughly enjoyed the day; running conditions were ideal and the atmosphere and support from the crowd was fantastic. To be two of the 39,140 finishers was a privilege and who knows, one of us could be the one millionth finisher since the London marathon began.”

They have raised more than £2,324 so far and funds are still coming in.

Anyone still wishing to donate can do so at www.virginmoneygiving.com/vixholt or at www.virginmoneygiving.com/laviniamarshall1

Vin and Vicky expressed their thanks to everyone who has supported them in any way.

Liberal Democrat Cornwall Councillor for Launceston North and North Petherwin Adam Paynter took on the London Marathon in aid of the Robert Johns Leukemia Fund (RJLF).

He started training for the London Marathon after the chance to represent the charity was offered to others but the two candidates were unable to take up the place due to prior commitments.

Two companies from Holsworthy sponsored the entry fee, to ensure all money raised through donations can go direct to the charity. Alan Snow Agricultural Engineers and Bob’s son Kev Johns Agricultural and Plant Contractors Limited both made contributions towards the entry price.

Cllr Paynter said: “I did it five years ago for Bob who runs Robert Johns Leukemia Fund in memory of his son.

“When I first did the marathon back in 2011 I got Bob to write to the organisers of the London Marathon to try and secure a charity place so that I would be able to run on his behalf.

“It’s really all down to Bob that I was able to race and I want to say thank you to him.

“His charity is such a fantastic cause, raising money for children with Leukemia.

“All one hundred per cent of the money Bob raises goes to the two hospitals involved and it is just wonderful how much they raise to help the children.”

Cllr Paynter was hoping to improve on his previous attempt in 2011 and beat his time of 4 hours 43 minutes. He succeeded in beating this time by 14 minutes, crossing the finish line in 4 hours 29minutes.

When asked what the toughest part of the race was for him, Cllr Paynter said: “I think the last few miles were the toughest, they really take their strain mentally and physically.

“Most people say that the first 20 miles is only half way in a marathon because the final six miles really are draining.

“However, I was very pleased with my time and have been even more impressed with how quickly I was able to recover this time.

“When I took part in 2011 I said I wouldn’t do it again and found it quite painful to get back into running.

“I am glad I did it again for the charity and found that I was able to get back into running much more easily after this marathon, I even managed to go for about a three mile run on Tuesday [April 26] which I was quite impressed with.

“Overall Bob’s charity is such a fantastic cause, and I was happy to support him once again and represent him at this year’s London Marathon.”