London Marathon 2007

PAUL ROBERTSON - 2:57:14
MATTHEW WHITFIELD - 3:13:34	MICHAEL BURNS - 3:38:49	ALISON MACDONALD - 3:43:51	DANIEL LEGG, - 3:53:04
MADELEINE BIRD - 4:12:17	JON HAWKER - 4:13:02	DAVID ROBERTS - 4:13:34	AMANDA PENFOLD - 4:20:34

Nine of Ellesmere Ports finest marathon runners ventured south this bright and sunny weekend for the annual running of the worlds greatest running event, the Flora London Marathon. In 24C degree heat, times were not down for the winners, with the mens race being won by Kenya’s Martin Lel in 2:07:41 with the womens race being dominated by Chinas Chunxiu Zhou in 2:20:38.

Closing in on these elite runners was first runner home for EPRC, Paul Robertson showing a sizzling return to form completing the course in 2:57:14 which is his fastest marathon for a few years placing him a superb 653rd place overall. Paul must be over the moon with this time and hopefully we’ll now see him take on the challenge of breaking his own PB at the distance of 2:44?

20 minutes behind Paul, was a disappointed Matt “Pasha” Whitfield. After 3 months of fantastic training, and some excellent recent race results, Pasha was ready to take on the challenge of breaking the magical 3 hour barrier. Going through half way in a perfect 1:29, Pasha was bang on target. However, the heat of the day got to him seeing him fade slightly in the closing miles to record a fine but ultimately disappointing 3:13:34.

Next home was the resilient Mike Burns. Mike was fending off his partner Alison MacDonald in more ways than one but broke away to end up finishing in 3:38:49 with Alison close behind in 3:43:51.

Danny Legg was the 6428th person past the finishing post. Danny who’s been getting some decent training done over the winter and spring months was aiming for a 3:15, Pacing the first half in a magnificent 1:39:55, he was on for his target. However like Pasha before him, heat got the better of him, who faded to a still respectable 3:53:04.

Joint performance of the day with Paul Robertson has to go to the “evergreen” Madeline Bird. Producing a stunning display on her marathon debut, Madeline ran a time of 4:12:17, secured her 101st in her age group

Having a disappointing run by his own high standards was Jon Hawker. Jon was aiming for 3:30, but struggled home in a time of 4:13:02 quickly followed by Dave Roberts in 4:13:34 and the little seen Amanda Penfold producing a good run of 4:20:34.