AVR at The London Marathon 2021

On Sunday 3rd October, an AVR contingent took part in the London Marathon - the first in-person event since its CV-19 shutdown. Thanks to Robin-Mark Schols for collating the information for the news.

Diane Hier is probably best known for her Ironman pedigree but first London appearance was for Guide Dogs For The Blind in 2001. She has managed to achieve a good for age spot ever since, running her 17th London on Sunday. She was very happy with a time of 3:41:58 and another medal to add to her haul.

Pippa Brewer knew what to expect in those last few miles on Sunday having run at Brighton just a few weeks ago. She really enjoyed her run, completing in 3:44:11 and raising over £1800 for the Salisbury Hospital Stars Appeal.

Rich Harding ran very well last year and came prepared to take his 3rd London run very cautiously this time having had some knee problems during his training. Lining up with a deal of tape around it he was aiming for a time good enough for good for age next year and was still able to pull out a fine 2:50:27. Rich was also very keen to pay tribute to the coaches at AVR for the time and effort they put in to our sessions each week as we all do.

Phil Harding was our most experienced runner out there and has run a total of 56 marathons before this and his experience on track and cross country, as well as over 90,000 miles run in his lifetime meant he was well prepared. Phil ran 2:36:19 at London in 1986 and says he like to run at a well judged pace and finish with as near to negative splits as possible. He’s seen it all and when asked about memorable experiences from running he cited two, getting mugged for his runners in Tanzania being one and the other losing his car keys in the jungle in India then finding them a week later while out running again as the other. Phil crossed the finish line on Sunday in 4:02:28.

Ben Blackwall was another of our club in action, only getting his club shirt during the week! Ben tends to run more off road longer events so isn’t around club as much as others but came well prepared and earned a well executed 3:10:36 finish.

Robin-Mark Schols: "I set my PB of 2:53:21 at London in 2015 and it has stood as a club age record since. Sunday was my 13th marathon and 7th at London having achieved good for age for 8 years but having to defer in 2016 due to the operations I had to receive for my brain infection after previous tumour surgery. I was very happy with a run of 3:11:19 this time, which was faster than my 2017 run here, really feeling that I executed my plan, hydrated and fuelled so well so I was well prepared for those last 6 miles where it can all go so wrong. It’s a shame the race will be in the autumn once again next year as it may well clash with other goals I have, but I’ll be doing my level best to be there for my 9th year."

Josh Lay 3:51:14

Jackie Rockliffe 3:16:11

Pete Jefferies 5:02:04

Adewale Kadiri 4:31:0

29/11/2024 | Avon Valley Runners |