London Marathon Update December 2005

The draw took place on Tuesday 13th December for the club’s two allocated London Marathon places, with the lucky members being Louise Foster and Tony Hewson. All being well, this brings the total number of Harriers, who will be lining up in Greenwich Park on Sunday 23rd April 2006 to ten; all with differing experience and aspirations for the big day. Ian Scott was unlucky in both the main London Marathon ballot and the club draw and has therefore entered the Lochaber Marathon on the same day, with a view to achieving a sub 3-hour time and qualifying automatically for London next year.

Louise Foster is relatively new to running, having joined the club in May, but has always had her sights firmly set on the full marathon distance, this being her first attempt. She is looking forward to starting her training in the New Year with her colleagues and gaining some valuable advice and encouragement along the way. Tony Hewson on the other hand, has accomplished several marathons previously and hopes to conquer the 3.15 barrier this year, as he has progressed admirably with each effort.

Jon Orange and Rachel Ross-Russell have run outstanding times previously and therefore both qualify for Championship places, with 2.31 from Jon in the 2004 London marathon and Rachel with a 1.19 clocking from the Robin Hood Half Marathon also in 2004. Rachel suffered a calf injury, which prevented her from competing in London in April and a chest infection and burst ear drum foiled her plans for Berlin later in the year, however, she is now fully recovered and hopes to complete London 2006 in well under 3 hours.

Mike Brooks, Shaun Purkiss and Sarah Gregory have all gained “Good For Age” qualifying times from previous performances and therefore acquired automatic entry into the London Marathon in 2006. Mike qualified from his time of 3:04 in London 2004 and Shaun with 3.01 in the same event in 2005, while Sarah ran the Berlin marathon in September, finishing in 3.42, having missed out on London in April with an injury and now hopes to achieve a time closer to 3.30.

Meanwhile Greta Buck and Colin Sewell were both able to defer their entries from 2005, due to injury. Greta postponed her marathon run after picking up a foot injury during training, while Colin hurt his knee and was unable to run for some time, but is now fit and well, ready to start the task in hand.

Ian Hepworth was more fortunate in the marathon ballot and was awarded a place, without needing to enter the club draw. Ian, who completed London in April 2005 dressed as Fred Flintstone and has competed in numerous marathons previously, is hoping that training goes well and that he is rewarded with a solid performance on the day.

Training begins for all athletes in earnest in early January, with club nights being orientated more towards distance for senior members, with longer runs on offer on both Tuesday and Thursday evenings. The club’s London Marathon Sweepstake will also be making a welcome return, starting in February, where entrants have a chance to win a cash prize, while donations are also made to club funds and the Sports Aid charity.