Tone Zone marathon marvels

This weeks report starts in the city of Boston Massachusetts on Easter Monday for the 121st running of its marathon. This is one of the 6 major marathons around the world so on the to-do-list of many runners. Neil Strudwick and Nina Baldwinson travelled across the pond to take part in this iconic race. As at races in Brighton and Paris the previous weekend it was the heat that effected the pair after all their training was done over the winter. Despite this Neil finished in 4.05 with Nina just behind in 4.06. Afterwards Nina said "Boy that was a tough one, very hot and those hills are tough, but I did it!"

Onto the largest race in the UK, The London Marathon with 15 club runners among the estimated 40,000 taking part. Simon Gill made up for a slightly disappointing Brighton marathon to finish in 2hrs 35mins. Peter Lee was the next Tone Zone runner, he finished in an excellent personal best time of 3.02. Running his first marathon was Duncan Stephenson Gill, like everyone he had trained very hard for the race, this paid off with a time of 3.16, he was closely followed 2 minutes later by Danny Mahoney.

Our Boston runners Nina and Neil were also at London after only 6 days recovery. The cooler conditions suited Nina who ran an incredible time of 3.43 with Neil following in 3.54. Kate O'Connor was running well until cramp set in at 16 miles, she struggled towards the finish and with the help of Carolyn Stapely they both finished in 3.56. After the race Carolyn said "They certainly do not get any easier. Although it didn't finish as we'd have liked, there is no-one I'd have liked to cross the line with more than my bestest running buddy Kate" showing the true spirit of the London Marathon. Putting in just as much effort as those at the top of the leaderboard were Jade Fish and Nicky King. Jade, running her 55th marathon finished in 4.48 with Nicky crossing the line along The Mall in 6.14.

Taking place on the same day as the London Marathon was the first marathon in Southampton for over 3 decades. Paul Coe and Chris Dummer both finished in 3.55 with Simon Bodsworth following them in 4.06.

A special mention for Sarah Spurr who suffered like so many in the Brighton heat 2 weeks ago and had to stop during the race. She had put a huge amount of effort into her training so the following weekend she took herself off to Boston, Lincs not USA and compete in their marathon. This time she finished to course with ease.

Bognor Regis Tone Zone Runners Results

Boston Marathon: Neil Strudwick 4.05; Nina Baldwinson 4.06 London Marathon: Simon Gill 2.35; Peter Lee 3.02; Duncan Stephenson Gill 3.16; Danny Mahoney 3.18; Anne Kari-Enes 3.34; Nina Baldwinson 3.43; Andy Mair 3.45; Keith Hardwell 3.53; Mark Green 3.54; Neil Strudwick 3.54; Carolyn Stapeley 3.56; Kate O'Connor 3.56; Tony Holcombe 4.26; Jade Fish 4.48; Nicky King 6.14 Southampton Marathon: Paul Coe 3.55; Chris Dummer 3.55; Simon Bodsworth 4.02 Bluebell 10K: Paul Jarvis 43.22; Lydia Stapeley 58.15; Wendy Harding 1.06.14; Clair Mason 1.06.27; Mike Monk 1.12.42 Bluebell 10 Mile: Juliet Stallard 1.15; Jessica Thomson 1.18; Stuart Thomson 1.26; Chris Seaton 1.40; Charlotte Seaton 1.40; Nathalie O'Mahony 1.54

Bordeaux Half Marathon: Derek Natoli 2.01; Grace Natoli 2.13

Boston Marathon - Lincolnshire: Sarah Spurr 5.20