LONGRIDGE'S marathon runners Jenny Locke and Bill Atkinson both completed the 26 miles 385 yards run through London in just over four hours - and jointly raised £1,786 for their charities.
It was veteran Bill's fifth London marathon, his aim a target time of three and a half hours which would have gained him second place in the over-70s category.
But the onset of severe stomach cramps two miles from the finish reduced what had been a
steady running pace to a walk. "It was very disappointing - I'd never had such cramps before," he says. "I'd set out my stall to achieve that goal, but my time of 4.09.41 was okay and gives me automatic entry for next year's race - so I'll try again then!"
He thanked all his supporters and sponsors for helping him reach £1186.10 which will be divided between St Catherine's Hospice and Derian House children's hospice.
Jenny's time was 4hours 32 and she raised £600 in aid of CRY - Cardiac Risk in the Young - which included £181.3 from a non-uniform day at Longridge CE Primary School where she does voluntary work as a nursery nurse.
She said "It was a fabulous experience, totally stress free becauses it was so well organised, and it was great to complete in my predicted time.
"I thought 'never again!' at the outset but I've now applied for next year's marathon, so a great big thankyou to everyone who encouraged and supported me through their sponsorship."
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