Town runners do their bit for charity (From Swindon Advertiser)

Training pays off as all complete marathon challenge

10:00pm Sunday 22nd April 2012 in Runners put best feet forward for London Marathon 2012 By Scott D'Arcy

THE town was well-represented among the runners in this weekend’s London Marathon, with many raising thousands of pounds for charity along the way.

Up to 37,500 athletes were expected to finish the famous course through the streets of the capital yesterday to earn their marathon medals.

And while the 26 mile route might sound tough enough, Chris Lennon, of Queensfield, was tackling it as part of a unorthodox triathlon, which had seen him and two friends swim two-and-a-half miles and cycle 112 miles to London the day before.

Chris crossed the line at four hours and 25 minutes and has raised thousands for Chernobyl Children In Need.

“We were incredibly lucky with the weather and we all posted really good times considering we had 112 miles in our legs already,” said the 32-year-old.

“And the most impressive thing is we’ve exceeded our target and are likely to raise £5,000.”

Firefighter Lee Morse, can return to Swindon with bragging rights after finishing in three hours 40 minutes.

Lee’s Red Watch colleagues had bet the 32-year-old £1 for the Fire Fighters’ Charity for every minute he finished under four hours after a bout of mickey-taking turned into a serious bet.

Mum-and-son pairing Kathy and David Coates were true to their word in sticking by each other the whole way, finishing in six-and-a-half hours, while Swindon cop Graham Mansell made it home in six hours 37 minutes.

Swindon’s own former world record breaker Les Slinn, who completed the course in five hours and 29 minutes dressed as a rhino.

The personal trainer, who entered the record books last year as the fastest person to complete the London Marathon dressed as a Roman soldier, was running in aid of Save The Rhino and the costume weighed a punishing 15kg.

And Adver reporter Matt Edwards posted a respectable four hours 22 minutes, raising nearly £1,000 for the Foundation For The Study Of Infant Deaths.

“I’m so glad it’s over although it was so much better than last time. I walked 50 per cent last time but I ran the whole way,” said the 23-year-old.

“And I’m just £50 shy of £1,000 for the charity so I’m very pleased with that.”