Heanor RC runners enjoyed a mixed-bag of fortunes at the Virgin London Marathon at the weekend but all four competitors started and completed the 26.2 mile distance. There was also an appearance for Milly Newton in the London Mini-Marathon, an event that sees the country’s best runners take to the streets of the capital immediately before the main events get underway.

Lisa Palmer was Heanor RC’s top performer. Lisa, who ran a huge PB of 2:53:16 in 2010, found the going tougher this year but still managed to finish just outside her best despite suffering from foot problems just after halfway. Lisa said after:

So proud of myself today I completed the London marathon despite struggling with a foot injury from 14 miles. I was determined to complete in however long it took. Still made it in 2.53.50 but my right knee and legs are in bits now… That’s the last one!!

It remains to be seen whether Lisa stays true to her word as the ballot for next year’s event opens once again on Monday 29th April.

Paul Clarke was bang on schedule to break his 2:57:01 best set in 2011. Paul reached Tower Bridge at halfway well inside the time, hitting 13.1 miles in 1:26:08. However, the wheels came off and Paul eventually struggled home to finish in 3:49:44.

Rose Leivers completed the marathon in 4:14:48. On for a sub-4 clocking up until 30k, Rose soldiered on and was just a few minutes outside her best set at the Greater Manchester Marathon last April.

Dawn Morland was the final runner in yellow and blue to complete the distance. Making her first appearance in the marathon, Dawn found the going tough in the heat. But the cheering parties in the final tough few miles kept her going as she battled on to finish in 5:23:10.

In the Mini-Marathon, an event won previously by double-Olympic champion Mo Farah, Milly Newton represented the East Midlands. Over a three mile course along the Embankment and finishing in the Mall, Milly finished a brilliant 64th in the U15G event in a time of 19:15.

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