RUNNERS from across the district travelled to the nation s capital at the weekend to take part in the gruelling London Marathon. Dozens of local runners joined with more than 30,000 entrants from around the world to take part in the famous event, with mil

RUNNERS from across the district travelled to the nation's capital at the weekend to take part in the gruelling London Marathon.

Dozens of local runners joined with more than 30,000 entrants from around the world to take part in the famous event, with millions of pounds being raised for good causes in the process.

Sarah Fairhurst, mother of Soham fund-raiser Liam, was running for children's cancer charity CLIC Sargent and as well as raising more than �3,000 also managed a respectable finishing time of 5:08:43.

Posting on her Facebook page, Sarah said: "We had a good marathon and decided to go for comfort rather than speed managing to complete the course in 5hrs 8mins and 43 sec without hitting any wall. Liam was with us every step of the way particularly the last mile."

Ely couple April Targa and Eric Stephan, who were featured in last week's edition of the Ely Standard, came home in 4:03:59 and 4:14:19 respectively, marking a superb day for the pair who ran for Star Foundation for Cerebral Palsy.

Dr Stephen Hardwick, who was also featured in last week's edition, was raising money for the British Liver Trust in memory of his late mother and managed to break the magic four-hour barrier by competing the course in 3:59:42.

Among local running club Ely Runners, there were 16 entrants with Craig Holgate 2:36:08 first male home for the club and Felicity Ward 3:27:43 first female home.

Other entrants for the club included Ian Day (2:46:29) Stephen Pettit (2:48:46) Tony Kirby-Cook (3:41:29) Robert Shortland (4:25:51) John Manlow (2:50:16) John Crisp (2:56:30) Graham Chapman (3:02:43) Steve Barker (3:33:19) Mark Turner (3:34:12) Nicola Bramley (3:39:10) Simon Bottomley (4:13:24) Lisa Redman (4:22:46) and John Turner (4:36:50).

Ely couple April Targa and Eric Stephan with finishing medals.

Sarah Fairhurst says Liam was with her every step of the way.

Photo: SUPPLIED