AMONG the 35,000 runners who took part in Sunday's London Marathon were a number of 'Post' area competitors who successfully completed the world famous race.
The high temperatures made getting round the 26.2 mile course even more challenging. However, our local runners praised the thousands of cheering spectators for helping them complete the gruelling route.
The race began in warm bright conditions with temperatures of 12C but they had risen to 16C by 11am.
However, all the blood, sweat and tears put in by the runners was worthwhile as the marathon raised millions for charity.
Jason Morgan of Davidstow Moor, Camelford was just happy to complete his third London Marathon. Running in aid of the Alzheimers Research Trust, Jason had experienced difficulties during his training and had questioned whether he would be able to take part.
Having suffered from the heart problem arrhythmia, Jason said: "The Easter bank holiday Monday I couldn't even run a mile and a half. I was that stressed out my chest muscles wouldn't expand. I went off to the doctors but they said my heart was fine."
After being able to run eight miles non-stop, Jason was relieved when he successfully ran 17 miles the Sunday before the marathon: "That weekend was the deciding point whether to go through with it or not. Things didn't seem to be going my way."
Jason completed Sunday's marathon in five hours and ten minutes. He said: "I think everybody's time went over a bit because of the heat. It was absolutely stifling."
However, Jason said he thoroughly enjoyed taking part: "As usual the crowds get you around. I look forward to doing the next one if I get a place."
Amanda Evans of St Teath completed her first London Marathon in six hours and 25 minutes. The most difficult aspect for Amanda was the high temperatures, she said: "The worst bit for me was the heat. I was used to running, I'd done 20 miles before, but never in that kind of heat without shade. It took me by surprise."
Nevertheless, she fulfilled her ambition of completing the marathon: "It's jolly hard. It's a long way but I wanted to prove, as I'm not a natural runner at all, that anybody can do it. It's hard work but it's
possible."
Amanda, who was cheered on by her husband and two daughters said: "The day is fantastic. The atmosphere's amazing and the crowds are really great."
Amanda was running in aid of FLEET (Front Line Emergency Equipment Trust). Having held sales, Easter egg raffles, a quiz night and even dressing up as Wonder Woman at Asda, Amanda managed to raise around £1,950 for the charity.
Twenty two local runners completed the marathon in aid of FLEET. Being a truly Cornish charity FLEET was set up about 20 years ago with the aim of equipping emergency ambulances, response cars and first responders with the same emergency equipment as one another.
Brother and sister Colin Wyatt from Lifton and Becci Wyatt, formerly from Lewannick both completed the marathon for the second time.
They both had improved times and were running in aid of The Shaw Trust, a disability charity.
Husband and wife team, Kevin and Lavinia Marshall of Lifton collected their marathon medals whilst raising funds for the village's community
centre.
Being his third marathon, Kevin completed the course in an impressive three hours and five minutes which meant he finished in 1,244th
position.
Sunday was Lavinia's first marathon and she crossed the finish line after six hours and 43 minutes.
If you completed Sunday's London Marathon and would like to feature in the paper please contact us on 01566 778213. Alternatively email r.pengilly @thepost.uk.com
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