Local runners take on London Marathon

THREE local runners took part in the London Marathon earlier this month, joining around 40,000 other runners in the world-famous race.

Ian Booth, Judy Schols, and Diane Hier all completed the 36th running of the race through the capital. Ian, who lives in Westbury, ran the race for the first time and completed it in 4hrs 29mins.

He said, “I was very pleased with my time – I was aiming to do it in under five hours. I ran the Hong Kong marathon in 1988, but this was my first time taking part in London.

“I’ve been running for about four years, since I started doing Southwick Parkruns in 2012. The marathon was brilliant but the last mile killed me! I was glad to have my son and my brother there to cheer me on. I ran with Children with Cancer UK and raised £1,500; I’m happy with that!”

Judy Schols, an Avon Valley Runners member from Dilton Marsh, completed the race in 4hrs 8mins, having reluctantly deferred her place last year due to injury.

Judy said, “When marathon day came I felt so prepared and the race itself went really well! It’s a very busy race and you think that after a couple of miles it would thin out but it doesn’t, and you really have to be on your guard to make sure you don’t get tripped or trip anyone.

“I was aiming for a sub-4:20 finish so was very pleased I managed it. It was a tough race and half way round I wished I was running a half-marathon! I didn’t run for charity but I asked people to donate the sponsorship money they offered me to the Brain Tumour Support charity.”

Diane Hier, also a member of Avon Valley Runners, ran the marathon for the 14th time and completed it in 3hrs 22mins.