Numerous members of Blackheath & Bromley were involved in the Virgin London Marathon from those who ran the full distance, to the youngsters who raced the mini marathon; from those who help man the baggage vans at the finish, and those who lined the streets to cheer all those taking part.

Peter Tucker was the first Club member to finish in 2.27.19, thus winning the Club Marathon Championship which was incorporated in the race. He was followed home by Mike Skinner, making his marathon debut in 2.28.10 and Fintan Parkinson in 2.43.18. Kevin May was the only other Club member to go under three hours with 2.43.53.

First woman from the Club to finish was Lisa May who timed 3.16.12, with Julie Reynolds second in 3.27.06 and Sarah Belaon third in 3.36.18.

Scott Overall had been looking to secure selection for the World Championships later this year but he pulled out just after half way. He said he had not been feeling comfortable throughout and that a knee injury which had recently stopped him running for 16 days had contributed to this.

Further down the field Richard Daniel was running to raise monies for the Royal Marsden Hospital. Richard is now fully recovered from a brain tumour. Part of the tumour was taken out in an operation. The remainder was removed with radiotherapy at the Royal Marsden, a gruelling by ultimately successful treatment. He was not able to do as much training as he would have liked but managed to get round in under four hours.

Up until last Sunday Mike Peel had finished every London Marathon since the race was first held in 1981. However, all good things come to an end and this year he did not finish because of recent illness. He did, however, toe the start line and run the first 100 metres before dropping out preferring a Did Not Finish after his name rather than a Did Not Start.

His record may not last as long as Mike’s series of runs, but, Sundays results mean that Club member Mark Steinle remains the fastest British marathon this Century with the 2.09.17 he ran in 2002.

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