WITH the London Marathon being the big draw across the country, six dedicated runners from Chard Road Runners (CRR) hit the capital’s streets.

It was Bernie Genge, setting off on his 101st marathon, who set the pace for CRRs, pushing forward in the less-crowded green start.

Jeremy Taylor was next into the crowds, hitting a steady pace early on after having had a less-than-perfect training schedule but hit out to get into a steady pace early on.

With the joining of the starts filling up the field, it was Nina Wagstaff who got caught in the jungle of zig-zags that slowed pace.

Andy Mear had a goal in mind and, with a slow crowded start, it was looking a tough goal to achieve but, with dogged determination, Andy hit his goal with a sub-four-hour finish.

A leg injury looked to be taking its toll on Anna Smith, who has been inspiring loads during her training, was racking up the miles when a leg injury looked to be taking its toll but, with the excellent medical support around the route, she was soon fixed up and back on her feet with a smile and hitting the finish line.

Next heading towards The Mall was Emma Male. Setting off a pace, she settled to a good speed while pace soaking up the fun.

Running well and bringing her unique fun to the run was Chan Chant, who raised many a chuckle with fellow runners and supporting crowds.

Results: Bernie Genge (3hr 11min 25sec), Jeremy Taylor (3hr 27min 15sec), Nina Wagstaff (3hr 40min 8sec), Andy Mear (3hr 58min 40sec), Anna Smith (4hr 39min 48sec), Emma Male (5hr 3min 41sec).

The next marathon for CRRs was the Madrid Marathon, with slightly better weather than in the UK (29 deg), this was some challenge for Steph and Joe Carbin took part in the Madrid Marathon – their first ever marathon – and finished together in 4hr 26min 22sec. Both were taking part in their first ever marathon and decided to support each other through to the end.

With the miles passing, Steph and Joe worked their way up the field to finish in a time of 04:26:22 and with a great atmosphere.

And Paul Masterst went was up and on the way to Stratford for the at 04.30am for the celebration of the 400th Year of the Death of Shakespeare by taking part in the Shakespeare Marathon, which he ran in 3hr 18min 40sec. That time allows Paul to qualify for next year's London Marathon.

Setting off for the line some way back in the field, PauI was just enjoying the early pace through the mass start.

Coming up to the finish line, Paul was pleased to see a time of 3.20.54, missing the elusive 3.20 GFA by a few moments.

It was then pointed out that his real time was 3.18.40, which allows Paul to qualify for next year’s London Marathon.