Sparkling performances by Burgess Hill Runners in the London Marathon

There were some sparkling performances by Burgess Hill Runners members at Sunday’s Virgin Money London Marathon which was held in near-perfect conditions for both runners and spectators.
By The Newsroom
Published 14th Apr 2014, 11:17 BST
Linda Russell, Kevin Walker, Helen Pratt and Jon Lavis with their London marathon Medals in St James parkLinda Russell, Kevin Walker, Helen Pratt and Jon Lavis with their London marathon Medals in St James park
Linda Russell, Kevin Walker, Helen Pratt and Jon Lavis with their London marathon Medals in St James park

The runners were supported by a large number of club members who travelled up on the day to cheer on their clubmates from various vantage points around the 26.2 mile course.

Seemingly completely recovered from his tough 50 mile race over the South Downs last weekend, Paul Sargent somehow managed to deliver yet another personal best, finishing in a quite exceptional 2 hrs 55 mins 20 seconds.

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Mark Nicholls was on track for an intended sub-3hr time at half way and whilst this proved a bit ambitious he still finished in an excellent 3.23.30. Susan Lyle achieved a remarkable 117th in her age category (3.52.44) and there were big personal bests for Linda Russell (by 20 minutes in 4.37.09), Jackie Osborne (by an enormous 37 mins in 4.44.45), Jon Lavis (by 10 mins in 4.49.08) and Kevin Walker (almost half an hour in 5.04.36). Helen Pratt did fabulously well to finish in 5.11.59 after completing the Brighton marathon last week, Steve Osborne finished in 5.21.47 and special mention too to Elona Smith (5.31.09), the clubs’ youngest marathon runner at just 18.

Linda Russell summed up both the club ethos and the London Marathon by saying ‘Impossible to put into words what it felt to be out there today taking part in the London Marathon and thank you BHR for giving me that opportunity’.

Related topics:South Downs