A LARGE number of Thurrock residents completed a gruelling London Marathon on Sunday.
The race started on cool spring sunday morning but by mid-day the temperature rose to over sixty degrees.
But that did not stop our intrepid band who completed all 26 miles and 385 yards.
First mention must go to the daughter of John Scowen, Sarah Baxter who completed the course in 6 hrs and 45 mins. Sarah ran for Motor Neurone Disease, an illness that took the life of community champion, John a week ago.
Once again, Thurrock Harrier, Pat Dobbs completed the marathon. Pat, 76, has completed every London Marathon since 1981. A truly truly remarkable feat. Pat’s time was 4 hrs 47 mins.
Hard-working Essex Police inspector, Leigh Norris was looking to beat his personal best from 1997 of 4 hrs and 3 mins. Despite a calf strain, Leigh got round in 3 hrs 56 mins. Leigh was running on behalf of the Orchid Trust, fighting male cancer.
Pixelwork founder and Ironman veteran, Matt Harris also had his eye on a sub-four finish and he did it in 3 hrs and 55 mins. Matt said: “A piece of me died today out on that course. The last 6 miles I wasn’t playing with a full deck!” Matt was running for English Federation of Disability Sport.
Former East Thurrock United footballer, Reiss Gilbey put in a shift to run 3 hrs 51 mins. Corringhams; Anne Pettican made her family very proud as she completed the course in 4 hrs and 45 mins. Terry Fisher from Stanford went through the pain barrier to complete it in 6 hrs 42 mins.
Teacher, Emma Hopper had a great run finishing in 5 hrs and 52 mins. Emma was running for Cancer Research UK.
Graeme Loveland from the Thurrock Local Enterprise Agency ran a very respectable 5 hrs and 20 mins. He will hate us for mentioning it but Graeme is over 60!.
Chafford resident Phil Cunningham was running for Diabetes UK and finished in 5 hrs 14 mins.
Let us not forget about our Thurrock Harriers. Scott Rice came in at 2 hrs 48 mins and John Green in 3 hrs and 10 mins were among the highlights.
Well done to you all. And if you are feeling guilty then, it is a lovely day. Just go for a little jog around the park and take it from there…..
