THE LONDON Marathon has become an annual celebration of running for the nation and the 35th event held last Sunday was no exception.

Six athletes from Dursley Running Club were privileged to be there on this occasion, with legend Paula Radcliffe taking part in her final marathon in the field of club runners.

The Dursley athletes started with the multitude of everyday heroes behind the elite women and men. The spectators and millions viewing on television were treated to two excellent elite races.

Behind the star names, one of the key tricks for club runners is to avoid too quick a start and Dursley’s half-dozen athletes achieved this for the most part.

Mark Brasier was first through the half marathon 13 miles mark in one hour 33.47mins, followed by Kevin Jackson in one hour 35.11mins. Haydn Smith was next in one hour 36.05mins.

Paul Wellings, learning from his previous experience, settled down to around a 4.30min per kilometre pace which was only dented in the last 12kms.

Serial marathoner Kate Browning, working her way to one hundred marathons, ran a very consistent race as might be expected of one with such experience.

Emma Denton, who entered the Guinness Book of Records when she ran as an ‘eye’ in 2014, was back in more traditional garb, although this year her preparation had not gone entirely to plan as her pace started to slow in the latter stages.

Moira Woodward, running in the 55-59 age category, was again a model of consistency bar a blip between ten and 15kms.

The athlete’s ability to keep going in the latter stages is key to a successful marathon and it was a mixed tale for Dursley athletes.

Brasier was strong and stayed under five minute kilometres pace despite slowing from his earlier pace.

Smith also showed good strength and his reduction in pace allowed him to make inroads to Brasier’s lead but not enough to claim the prize of first Dursley Runner home.

Brasier finishing in an excellent time of three hours 13.29mins, knocking seven minutes from his 2014 Amsterdam Marathon time, with Smith just under a minute behind him and reducing his 2014 time by 13 minutes.

Wellings was next in, having slowed down and suggesting that his earlier pace was slightly too quick. It was a much better performance than his 2011 run when he produced some sub 4.20mins splits before blowing up.

This time, he came home in three hours 20.54mins, while Browning cruised home to be the first Dursley woman down The Mall and went under the finish barrier in three hours 21.29mins in an impressive 88th place in her age category and 487th woman overall.

In relatively quick succession, Denton and Jackson crossed the line, both having to dig deep over the closing kilometres.

Woodward, meanwhile, was enjoying the event supported by family and club members dotted along the route. She maintained a steady pace to completed the course in five hours 18 minutes