London Marathon (VMLM)

Here’s a brief review from Sunday’s London Marathon.

Suzanne Tharme was first across the line for Tewkesbury in a confirmed personal best time of 3:42:49. Suzanne ran with Carol Cowley who matched her stride for stride until just before the finish when Suzanne made a break for the line! Experienced Carol thought the day was blessed with perfect running conditions and for Carol an important 3rd place in her category (along with Martin Ford, two podium places for Gloucestershire), as it later transpired, 2nd place in her V65 category was just a few seconds ahead! Carol timed 3:42:53

Debutant Sharon Pates clocked an amazingly swift sub 2 hour ½ marathon time with former TRC member Charlotte Deacon close by. Sharon worked hard and despite training niggles which prevented her from completing her ‘long runs’, managed to finish in fine fettle. Her time was 4:06:00 which is outstanding for the strong cyclist who, for many years, has desired a place on the London start line.

Charlotte finished with 4:12:23 and with an ill-timed stomach upset.

After many dedicated months of training, John Tharme finished in a time of 4:21:25. It was an experience for John as he suffered from jogger’s nipple and lost a considerable amount of claret – and even a piece of nipple!

Tewkesbury Running Club’s ballot entry runner was Wesley Reid. Donning a Hulk Hogan style fancy dress, Wes was picked-up a couple of times by the TV cameras. He completed his first marathon too with 6:12:36. A great experience for the first timer.