COURTENAY Chessell has got the marathon bug – and can’t wait to have another crack at the classic challenge.

The Swindon Harriers newcomer made his debut over 26.2 miles in the London Marathon on Sunday and clocked a respectable time of 2hrs 50mins 27secs.

“It was brilliant and my first effort went very well,” said Chessell.

“People talk about London and the atmosphere from what they see on TV, but it isn’t until you are actually there running that you can appreciate how fantastic it is.

“People are shouting you on all the time and going across Tower Bridge was epic. It felt like scoring a goal in the last minute in front of a 70,000 crowd.

“It was mental and probably the best thing I have ever done.”

In hindsight, 38-year-old Chessell, who is a latecomer to running after a career playing football with Fairford Town, reckons he may have got a little carried away at the start as he swept up in the excitement of running London for the first time.

He set a strong pace to reach halfway in 1hr 21mins 33secs, which could have seen him finish well under 2hrs 50mins and get close to the qualifying standard of 2hrs 45mins, that would have guaranteed him entry next year.

“I was still on for 2hrs 45mins until 21 or 22 miles, but then I started to get a bit of cramp. That last mile-and-a-half was just a case of reaching the finish line," said Chessell.

“But I did and I had nothing left in the tank. Looking ahead, I need to do more strength and conditioning work to improve my legs and also get in some longer miles so that I can get that time of 2hrs 45mins.

“I have a taste for it now.”

Chessell just dug in enough to finish ahead of Swindon Striders veteran Kevin Smith, who completed the course in 2:50.46.

That was only just over five minutes outside his lifetime best set 13 years ago and for a V50 runner, is a highly respectable achievement, placing him 42nd overall in the 50-54 age group from 2,536 finishers.

Also breaking the three-hours barrier was Jonni Suckling, of Slinn Allstars, with 2:59.35.

Fastest local woman was Catriona Wardsell, of Royal Wootton Bassett Hounds, who clocked 3:26.06.

SWINDON TOP THREE MEN

2:50.27 - Courtenay Chessell (Swindon Harriers) (PB)

2:50.46 - Kevin Smith (Swindon Striders) M50

2:59.35 - Jonni Suckling (Slinn Allstars) M45

SWINDON TOP SIX WOMEN

3:26.06 - Catriona Wardsell (Royal Wootton Bassett Hounds)

3:40.55 - Michelle Leighton (Royal Wootton Bassett Hounds) W45

3:41.24 - Sara Cocks-McCracken (Highworth Running Club) W45

3:43.05 - Michelle White (Slinn Allstars) W45

3:47.45 - Amy Cameron (Swindon Striders) W40

3:51.44 - Zoe Illingworth (Swindon Striders) W40