2008 London Marathon

Twenty Farnham Runners were among the 34,000 in the Flora London Marathon and between them they raised over £14,000 for charities. All had their own personal targets – some achieved and some not, but all had a day remember. Among the thousands lining the route was an enthusiastic bunch of their supporters. Conditions were good except for a prolonged heavy shower, unwelcome for runners and spectators alike.

First home for the local club was Graham Wilton whose time of 2hours 49minutes 44 seconds (for 467th place) showed remarkable consistency as it was 3 seconds faster than last year and within a minute of his other two times over the last 3 years. He finished a fine 36th in the M45 category and raised £1600 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Michael Rix enjoyed the championship start with the elite runners after his qualifying time of 2hrs 43 mins in the Paris marathon in 2006. Unfortunately he was not 100% well on the day and was disappointed to struggle home in 2.56.44, an impossible dream for most.

Steve Kitney, who was the club’s third sub 3hour finisher in 2.57.10, found the race tougher than October’s Loch Ness marathon where he was almost two minutes quicker.

Next came Charles Ashby who was on target for sub 3 hours before having to stop to stretch and then being unable to regain his earlier pace (3.14.30).

Jane Georghiou was Farnham’s first lady home just creeping under 3.30 with 3.29.52 and she came 4th in the W55 category, raising funds for Leonard Cheshire Disablity.

After limited training Terry Steadman exceeded his expectations with a very creditable 3.33.55.

Farnham’s second lady Nicolette Overy (3.37.07) stuck rigorously to a training plan and was rewarded with a personal best by 4½ minutes to place 34th W50 and collect sponsorship for Asthma UK.

Previous sub 3hour runner Vince Crowley managed 3.46.07 with little training, his chosen charity Leonard Cheshire Disability.

Tim Cummins (3.58.27) was delighted to deduct almost 24 minutes from his previous best and his sponsorship will go to Cancer Research while Paul Beesley, collecting for St. John Ambulance, was similarly pleased with his new sub 4hour time of 3.58.54.

Richard Sheppard was over the moon to record a new best of 4.07.35 to collect more for Tommys, the baby charity.

Close behind Wendy Carley took just 4.08.28 in her seventh marathon.

Michael Perrett (4.16.59) and Julia Redford (4.24.23) both made excellent marathon debuts, Julia raising £2000 for Disability Challengers.

A jubilant Peter Strange aiming for under 5hours clocked 4.29.12, his £1600 funds going to Macmillan.

Benita Mayhead put a huge effort into raising over £2000 for Get Kids Going with her second marathon in 4.35.11.

Helen Cathie made good use of a club place to take 13 minutes from her personal best (4.40.26) and her sponsorship will go to the British Heart Foundation.

Sharon Egan, out to enjoy the day, completed her second attempt at the distance in a worthy 4.42.29, while Disability Challengers will be better off to the tune of over £2100 as a result of Shirley Perrett’s run of 4.52.53.

New member Andrew Perrin completed his first marathon in 4.55.18 for Action on Pre-Eclampsia (£2,500).