17th April - London Marathon

17 NRR heroes descended on the Nation’s capital to take on the challenge of the “biggest and best” marathon in the world. Hot conditions later on made the course a bit harder but everyone crossed the finish line in one piece.

Andy Blaize had a storming run breaking the magical three hour barrier with a superb time of 2:57:44. Maree Jesson continued her amazing form with a 3:02:37 finish. Mark Nightingale’s hard work and training paid off as he clocked a good for age time and a PB with 3:11:10. Steph RUSSELL made her London debut and knocked over 30 minutes off her previous marathon best with a stunning 3:11:17.

Another man flying in 2011 is Mark Garrett who also recorded a PB and a good for age time with an amazing 3:12:25. Andy Thomas made his full marathon debut with 3:28:20.

Next to cross the line at the Mall was Jo Windrum in 4:06:41 and close behind was Mick Clarke in 4:09:53 a time which saw him finish 12th in age category. Ronnie Ambrose clocked a very respectable 4:15:47 and Mark Kennedy grabbed a PB with 4:32:49. Pauline Horne was delighted with her time of 4:46:41 and Chris Down completed his first marathon for six year in 4:54:17 (and then biked home from club).

Dave Solomon brushed aside his injuries to come home in 5:34:48 and Patrick (Spike) Breydin came home in 5:40:17 complete with his hotdog fancy dress costume in one piece.

Helen Blackburn was running her first (and last) marathon which she completed in 6:02:31 (she’ll be back for more) and Jodie Mortern-Davies also completed her first ever 26.2 in 6:18:10. Alan Hackett also donned fancy dress for the day and “Tigger” finished in 6:18:33.

As well as the seventeen runners on the day, a large crowd of supporters from the club travelled down to London to cheer everyone on. Their cheering and encouragement was heard by the NRR runners on the course and they were on hand to welcome those tired legs home at St James Park offering refreshments and congratulations. Thank you very much to all of them and well done to everyone who ran.

Andy Blaize 2:57:44
Maree Jesson 3:02:37
Mark Nightingale 3:11:10 PB / Good for Age
Steph RUSSELL 3:11:17 PB
Mark Garrett 3:12:25 PB / Good for Age

Andy Thomas 3:28:20 1st marathon
Jo Windrum 4:06:41
Mick Clarke 4:09:53 12th in Age Category / Good for Age
Ronnie Ambrose 4:15:47
Mark Kennedy 4:32:49 PB
Pauline Horne 4:46:41
Chris Down 4:54:17
Dave Solomon 5:34:48
Patrick Breydin 5:40:17
Helen Blackburn 6:02:31 1st marathon
Jodie Mortern-Davies 6:18:10 1st marathon
Alan Hackett 6:18:33