With the London Marathon less than three months away, distance runners from all over the east travelled to Peterborough on Sunday to test out their winter training at the Folksworth 15.

With the London Marathon less than three months away, distance runners from all over the east travelled to Peterborough on Sunday to test out their winter training at the Folksworth 15.

Run on flat, rural lanes to the south of city, the race attracted more than 400 runners keen to start their race build-up to the big day in April.

Again the North Norfolk Beach Runners' star performer was Dena Parfitt who produced a blistering finish to break the 1hr 40min barrier by just one second to finish 30th overall and first in her age group by a distance.

If she can hold her form until London, she looks set to go even faster than last year's sub three-hour run.

Next Beach Runner home was Clive Hedges, making a rare appearance on the race circuit. Although not quite back to his best, Hedge's time of 1-44:59 for 70th place showed that he is very much on the way back to full fitness.

Jim Hayes is used to picking up prizes in Norfolk almost without breaking sweat but found the competition in Cambridgeshire rather tougher.

Nevertheless his excellent time of 1-47:36 for 87th place was good enough for third place in the Over 60 category.

The fourth of the Beach Runners' quartet to brave the blustery conditions was Michael O'Connor, finishing in a highly creditable time of 2-18:40.