Capital effort by marathon squad

NORTH Norfolk Beach Runners had a record 14 entrants at this Sunday's London Marathon.

Two broke the three-hour barrier, setting the two fastest times for members of the Cromer club in many years. Paul Muffett shook off an Achilles injury to run a blistering 2-54:45, whilst new member Phil Quantrill was just a minute behind.

John Christopher did 3-12:58 whilst the normally very fast Chris Merrylees struggled with sickness but still completed the course in 3-23:01.

Christine Thorne, Brenda Kinch and Christina Walker finished just outside the four-hour mark. Brenda finishing 16th in her age group.

Octogenarian Maurice Copeland was running his last marathon and did brilliantly to finish fifth in his age group in 6-40:11.

Other Beach Runners were Chris Parker (4hrs 16min), Tony Heath (4-49) and Michelle Burton (5-10.

Clive Hedges, Jim Hayes and last year's age group winner Dena Parfitt were forced to pull out with injury or illness. Jim Hayes reached 24 miles before being forced out with severe cramp.

Colin Stark and Vinnie Purdy ran the Bungay Marathon.

They finished together in an excellent 3-22:12, a personal best for both on a tough course.

In the accompanying Half Marathon, Darren Neale had a superb run to finish 16th in 1-28:29 whilst Jen Armstrong finished 200th in 1-54:52.

Several members ran the first race in the Yarmouth 5 Mile Series.

Two had stand-out performances with David Nockles looking very comfortable in 17th in 31:09 whilst Clare Donavon was third lady with an excellent 31:48.

Mike Sadler had one of his best runs for some time to finish 28th in 32:01, just one place ahead of Jeremy Bolam, returning to racing after a knee operation.

Ryan Callaby went off a little too fast and paid the price, but still finished with a good time of 33:25 and Chris Wade also had an excellent run along the Yarmouth seafront, finishing 66th in 35:31.

Ian Jarvis, who probably races more than any other Beach Runner, had a personal best 36:47 for 78th.