TEN representatives from Radcliffe AC took part in the London Marathon.

Michael Aspinall had a bad time of it, and club captain Mike Howard gave him great moral support to hang on until the finish. Michael recorded 3.17.22, with Mike one second slower.

If anyone needs tips about competing in the London Marathon, Radcliffe's John McParland is the man to ask. He completed his 15th London in 3.27.10, an excellent result at the age of 58, and he knows all about avoiding queues and being in the right place, at the right time, in the build-up to the start.

Mark Emmett stayed fairly near to John and the over 40 clocked 3.27.35. Steve Hamer chased his club-mates all the way, although it is doubtful whether he saw them during the race, to come home in 3.31.28.

Next Radcliffe runner was new member Andrew Beale, who went home with 3.53.36 for his first marathon, while Jayne Platt, admitting to running on very little training, recorded 4.02.26.

Tony Meakin stayed strong and did the run he expected and over 60 man Manny Aspinall ran too and his steady effort got him round in 4.44.43.

Karen Howard completed Radcliffe's contingent. Her time of 5.51.23 was not important. The fact that she finished and raised a sackful of sponsorship money, as many of the others did, was enough to make her day a truly satisfying one.

The other members of Radcliffe AC were impressed by their club-mates efforts, not a little envious of their achievements and definitely inspired by them to perhaps consider having a crack in the future.