Honiton Running Club members have been travelling the country to compete in various spring marathons, writes Judy Davey.

Clare Melbourne took part in the Manchester Marathon which she completed tired and exhausted in t time of 4:46. The race was won by Andi Jones in 2:16.

Kevin Hawker and Stephen Boyes’ marathon was a bit closer to home in Taunton. Hawker’s target had been to finish inside 3:15 and so gain him automatic entry into next year’s London Marathon.

He had an incredible run smashing that target to come an amazing fifth overall, second in age category in 2:56. Definitely a ticket to London!

Boyes managed to get around without walking although he hit the wall at 17miles reducing him to a much slower pace. He finished in 3:43, 86th place overall. The race was won by Alan Ryder in 2:47.

Six runners travelled to London to take part in the London Marathon on April 13. It was a lovely day for spectators, but maybe a bit too hot for the runners.

First back for Honiton was Hadleigh Davies who achieved a great personal best time of over five minutes. He finished in 3:22 having raised about £1800 for his charity CLIC Sargent.

Steve Davey was next back pleased to have finished, but disappointed not to have been closer to 3:30. He finished in 3:41 having raised money for the club’s charity of the year, Devon Air Ambulance, after gaining a place through the club ballot.

Julie Payne was the first Honiton lady back finishing three minutes after Davey.

She had got her place for running a previous marathon in a ‘good for age’ time.

She has completed the race before and found this one a long hard painful struggle compared to previous runs.

Mark Dallyn had won the other club ballot place so was also raising money for Devon Air Ambulance as well as Help for Heroes. He was quite happy to finish in 4:03 after suffering painful muscle tightening.

It was JoJo Davey’s second marathon and she was next home knocking six full minutes of her last time finishing in 5:05 having raised about £1800 for Prostrate Cancer.

She thoroughly enjoyed the day echoing all the runners’ opinions of great atmosphere and support along the way.

It was also Gary Enticott’s first marathon and he bravely tackled it despite suffering from injury during training.

In the end he was just pleased to compete and finish! His recorded time was 5:17. Well done to all the marathon runners and for the amazing amount of money raised for all the very worthwhile charities.