Haslemere Border Athletics Club (HBAC) have been active in a number of marathons.

Steve Taylor took on the Manchester Marathon. Despite carrying an injury Steve battled through the 26.2 miles with grit and determination, finishing in an excellent time of 3:38.01.

Julian Reading bringing the HBAC team home at the Brighton Marathon
Julian Reading bringing the HBAC team home at the Brighton Marathon (Haslemere Border AC)

A week later a team set off for the Brighton Marathon. Conditions were difficult with high temperatures and a strong crosswind. Despite this there were some tremendous results. First home was Julian Reading in his first marathon in 4:13.43. Beth Sutton, who was also a first-timer, finished in 4:27.03, Marco De Caprio crossed the line in 4:47.24 and Steve Pendergrass finished in 5:17.56.

Beth Sutton celebrates her Brighton Marathon success
Beth Sutton celebrates her Brighton Marathon success (Haslemere Border AC)

A strong contingent of HBAC athletes entered the London Marathon. First home was Luke Brocks in 2:48.28. Hot on his heels was James Turner in 2:48.57. Jon Fairs finished in 2:59.18 and Tom Milns crossed the line in 3:17.48. Tania Corrigan brought the ladies home in 3:40.10. Issy Peters finished in 3:43.11, Matt Burgham crossed the line in 3:44.58, Paul Fleming finished his first marathon in an excellent time of 3:56.34, first-timer Richard Shand crossed the line in 4:15.03 and Catriona Wiles finished in 4:16.27 to take 20 minutes off her previous best time. Martin Ripley, who completed a Get Up and Run course six months ago, crossed the line in 6:59.03.

Catriona Wiles smashed her London Marathon personal best
Catriona Wiles smashed her London Marathon personal best (Haslemere Border AC)

Helen Barran took on the Zurich Marathon. The race started with rain and sleet, but Helen battled on and finished in a snow blizzard in an excellent time of 3:32.38.

Paul Fleming running his first London Marathon and still smiling
Paul Fleming running his first London Marathon and still smiling (Haslemere Border AC)

James Parker took on the Newport Marathon and paced himself superbly throughout to finish his race in 3:27.23.