A NUMBER of Bromsgrove & Redditch runners took part in this year's London Marathon with pride of place going to Dave Cleverley.

More of a fun runner over the last few years Cleverley got down to serious training over winter in preparation for his first marathon and by running the race even-paced was rewarded with a time of 2hrs 55min, 45sec.

Steve Clews' last marathon was in Redditch nearly 20 years ago, and despite hitting the wall over the last few miles, Clews finished in a time of 2hrs 5 min, 6sec, just outside the first 500.

Hugh Jenkins made his marathon debut and despite a slow start had a great run to finish just outside the magical three hour barrier with 3hrs, 2min, 21sec.

Jenkins' own timing from when he crossed the start line brought him even closer.

Veteran Johnnie Lammas is a regular at London and had another solid run.

A fast veteran, Lammas had a good starting position and used it to get on TV, finishing after 3hrs 20min, 45sec.

Less fortunate on the day was Bob Kesterton, who began struggling from halfway, and after being sick finally called it a day at 17 miles.

B & R runners had a hand in the performance of the second placed British female.

Alvechurch-based Birchfield Harrier, Bev Hartigan, spent most of the winter doing Sunday runs and hard training sessions with the men from Bromsgrove & Redditch Athletic Club and her hard work through the winter was rewarded with a great debut marathon.

Bev was 17th female finisher (second in the UK Championships) after 2hrs 37min, 45sec.

Hartigan's finish was also a Commonwealth Games qualifying time and with next year's games held in Manchester, home of her first club, Sale Harriers, Bev will be hoping to secure a place in the England team.