BLACKBURN Rovers Academy physio David Hancock was floored by Frank Bruno before his gruelling Flora London Marathon run.

Hancock was running for Rovers in the "Football Challenge", where a representative from each of the football clubs competes, in club strips, against each other in the 26 miles 385 yard race.

"I have 'Mad Dog', my nickname, and my job on the back and Frank came up to me at the start and asked me for some treatment after the race and then just laughed his deep laugh!" said Dave.

Dave finished his first marathon in three hours and 38 minutes -- well before Bruno -- and was more than happy.

"It was a good time although I had hoped to break 3:30. There were a lot of Blackburn fans cheering me on -- I never realised there were so many Rovers fans in London! And I got some stick off Arsenal and Tottenham fans." Preston runner Brian Dewhurst had a good weekend -- with North End winning and on the verge on promotion while he ran to his best time 3:41.

Bury runner Phil Thorp enjoyed a personal best of 3:34, despite complaining of blisters around the ten-mile mark.

He made a point of mentioning he'd overtaken former Bradford boss Chris Kamara -- although he didn't mention that a "spotty dog" and "caveman" also raced ahead of him!

"I saw Chris Kamara at about 20 miles and he seemed to be struggling so I went past him. I was hoping to just get inside three hours thirty minutes but my legs had gone," said 41-year-old Phil.

And, running for St Johnstone, was Blackburn defender Callum Davidson's cousin.

Lisa Robinson was running for Burnley Football Club.

Aston Villa manager John Gregory started off at a fast pace -- but it's not sure if he kept it up all the way round.