There were some stunning performances from Ivanhoe Runners in the weekend’s marathons. In the London Marathon, seven runners set new personal bests, led home by Ramzi Sidani, blazing round in 2.52.12, a fantastic run which took nearly four minutes off his previous best. Also having brilliant runs and both being under the magical three hour barrier were Alistair Chambers, clocking 2.55.01 to finish 48th vet50, and Ian Bolton setting a new personal best of 2.59.09, breaking three hours for the first time and knocking over 5 minutes off his previous best. The Ivanhoe ladies were not to be outdone though, and Clare Fowell had another great run to shave 4 seconds off her personal best as she clocked 3.16.50 to finish 40th vet45 in the race. And continuing this extraordinary day, the running machine that is Andy Jeyes gained the highest category placing for the club as he finished an incredible fifth in the v65 age category as he clocked 3.20.34, over 2 minutes faster than last year!

Nick Lee-Smith was another setting a personal best, clocking 3.43.26 to knock over two minutes off, while Lynda Revill finished a brilliant 11th in the v60 category as she clocked a fine 3.47.34. Richard Bebbington finished his four marathons in four weeks challenge with a great time of 3.50.43, with wife and fellow challenger Ange clocking 5.03.26. This was a great achievement by both of them, and raised a substantial sum for the “Wishes for Kids” charity. Just behind Richard, Mel Ferrie ran her fastest London Marathon, clocking 3.50.47, while debut marathoner Pav Mazur ran a sensible race and was pleased with a time of 3.59.25 to break the four hour barrier.

Club Chairman Heather Swan was delighted with her personal best run, clocking 4.00.19 to knock 2 minutes off her previous best! She ran most of the way with partners in crime Amanda Bradbury and Laura Graves. Amanda was next home in 4.02.05 and pleased to run her fastest London, while Laura was equally pleased with a time of 4.05.44 after time out with injuries. Emily Partridge was another personal-best setter, knocking nearly 4 minutes off her time to clock an excellent 4.11.39, ahead of Ruth Cousins who knocked over half an hour off her previous best to clock 4.15.25. The next two Ivanhoe Runners home were both marathon first-timers, with Lindsay Tilbury heeding all the advice and having a great run to clock 4.16.52, and Simon Hall pleased with his debut run of 4.33.28 before Ange Bebbington brought the happy squad home.

Written by Kevin Sanders - last updated on 25/04/2016