TEIGNBRIDGE Trotters turned up in force for the London Marathon with good conditions helping them among the 50,000 finishers of the iconic annual race.

Club highlights included new records for Susanna Goffe, who set a new senior ladies’ record of 3:14:28, Jacki Woon (60+) in 3:37:30 and Alan Kember (65+), who knocked three minutes off for a time of 3:30:27. The coaches’ hard work and varied training sessions clearly paid off for the successful athletes who finished the 26.2-mile route across the capital.

New member Alan Doherty took on his first marathon with challenges in getting race-ready. Two weeks before the big day, an old issue flared up in his right leg including tightness on the knee. The race was going well for the first 10 miles, when a cruel twist of fate struck and his left leg encountered the same issue. Improvisation with some walking was required to finish in 5:03:35. Adam and most teammates felt the the day was amazing, getting carried along with all the other runners, great to see all the landmarks and the unbelievable crowds. 

Sue Tremlett overcame her preference for the countryside and weaved and jostled her way through the masses to complete her 50th marathon and first London in 4:29:42. The performance was nearly fast enough for "good for age" criteria, which is no mean feat in a jam-packed event.

Despite battling Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Trotter Shelley Rattlidge defied the odds and conquered the London Marathon whilst running with chronic pain and the constant fear of legs giving out. Determined to succeed and fuelled by the electric atmosphere of last year's marathon, Shelley faced an uphill battle but magnificently crossed the finish line in a commendable time of 4:39:20 with husband Andrew despite her legs failing several times.

Shelley said, ‘It was unbelievable, the pain was unbearable but I managed to find a random supporter with painkillers which helped. It was emotional and my gratitude knows no bounds, raising funds for MS Trust, providing vital support to those living with MS.’

James Saunders was first home for the club in 3:06:28, Chloe Weeks 3:25:59, Steve Weeks 3:25:59, Mandy Wheeler 3:26:48, Tim Hassell 3:35:29, Annabelle Evans 3:38:33, Debbie Elphick 3:39:55, Nigel Barnett 3:57:53, Joanne Jacobs 4:16:40, Evie Tucker 4:47:08, Peter Kirby 4:53:06, Lucy Evan 5:09:28, Francesca White 5:45:46 and Stuart Moulson in 5:54:23 having overcome a number of medical issues in recent years to valiantly complete the race with a smile on his face.