The TCS London Marathon returned to its traditional April running time on Sunday 23rd April for this year's edition of the race.

The world-famous TCS London Marathon route has remained largely unchanged since the inaugural event in 1981 and encompasses many of the capital’s finest landmarks, old and new including Buckingham Palace, The Cutty Sark, Tower Bridge and Canary Wharf.

More than 40,000 people took on the 26.2 mile course in what was the 43rd time it has been held.

Like last year, the marathon had three separate start lines in St John's Park, before they came together as one route in Woolwich just under three miles in. The runners then passed the Cutty Sark around the six mile mark before heading towards Canada Water.

They then crossed the River Thames at Tower Bridge before reaching the halfway mark soon after. London's Docklands was the next landmark, with the runners following the route of the river before cutting back north. and then into Canary Wharf, with spectators watching on in West India Quay given two chances to see the participants. The 20-mile mark is reached near the Poplar DLR station before the runners headed towards Limehouse.

Just after the 21-mile mark, the runners headed down Rainbow Row for the second successive year. transformed into a 250-metre section of the course into a party championing inclusivity and the LGBTQ+ community, with drag queens and DJs keeping spirits high.

The course then headed back to the Tower of London, which runners passed just before the 23-mile mark. They then ran past London Bridge before St Paul's Cathedral loomed large in the background to their right.

As they follow the course of the river, the runners saw the London Eye looking over them before cutting away from the water in Westminster. They then turn onto The Mall at Buckingham Palace, where the marathon finish awaited the jubilant runners. 

Despite the wet weather, the conditions didn't put a dampener on proceedings. The crowds came out in their thousands to support loved ones and friends alike. The atmosphere was deafening, especially around Cutty Sark and London Bridge where the crowds were 10 deep in places!

Nine Trotters took on the course and all ran fantastic times including PB'S galore and Club records. The ever improving Hamish Rae was a marathon debutant but ran like a seasoned athlete. Hamish clocked a fantastic time of 02:41:31 to finish 700^th overall. His time stands as the fastest Trotter Marathon this year...Well done Hamish

Second Trotter home was Kevin Woodard. Kevin ran a perfectly paced marathon until cramp reared its ugly head in the last few miles. Despite this set back, Kevin still posted a great time of 02:56:31 which placed him 2255^th and gained him a personal best! Well done Kevin. The hard training certainly paid off?

Third home was James Saunders with a stunning time of 03:00:49 and 3102^nd, which may have been better if it were not for quad and cramp in the final half a mile which brought him to a standstill. James was rewarded with a new PB by 01:47 which also lowered the current MV60 Club record. A good day’s work!

Kris Ward, one of the Clubs ultra-runners battled on to clock a great time of 03:09:29 for 4343^rd. Well done Kris.

Fifth home was Timothy Hassell, finishing in a brilliant time of 03:25:52 which was a new PB, having not run a marathon since 2012? Tim is ageing well..

Andrew Rattlidge also pulled out an outstanding time and new PB. Andrew clocked a time of 03:53:36 to finish 15614th..

Graydon Widdicombe who competed in the Boston Marathon just 6 days before still managed to clock a decent time of 04:06:31. Such stamina?

Seventh home was Kathryn Steemson in another superb time of 04:09:14. Kathryn has been working tirelessly in preparation for the big day and didn’t disappoint. The ladies have certainly produced some amazing times so far this year.

Kay Shillabeer was running for her chosen charity, and with that pressure in mind, Kay battled on with steely determination to finish in a time of 05:48:05.

Well done everyone you made the Club proud...

Ruth Johnson traveled to the Malvern Hills to compete in the Malvern Hills Half marathon on 22^nd Aprilorganised by Adventure Events.

The route started at the stunning grounds of Elim Arts Centre at Sugarloaf Cafe, and headed straight out onto the Malvern Hills. The trail snaked south through woodlands, fields, forests and rolling hills towards Wynd’s Point. At Wynd’s Point they climbed up onto the ridge line before following it north leading to stunning views either side, before dropping down to the finish line.

Ruth ran a solid race, clocking a great time of 02:52:49 which placed her 133^rd in an entry of 212.

Ruth quoted, “It was a tough one, but fantastic route. With 8 miles of trails through fields and woods before reaching the Malvern Hills, where there were 8 hills to climb before reaching the Worcestershire Beacon. A really well organized race, and would definitely recommend it if you fancy a challenging half! Well Done Ruth