Thirty one Foyle Valley athletes turned out last Sunday 17th April for the London Marathon, many of them running in support of the Foyle Hospice. The Derry runners gathered on Blackheath both nervous and excited before “the big race”. That glorious spring morning grew hotter and hotter, making conditions tough for all taking part. In spite of the heat, the elite male race was won by Emmanuel Matai who smashed the course record in an astonishing time of 2.04.40. Mary Keitany won the ladies race in a powerful 2.19.19. Nine Foyle Valley athletes were making their marathon debut- Brian McFadden 4.17, father and son duo Liam Clarke (4.17) and Alan Clarke (3.40), Kieran Dalton 3.30, Gemma Mc Ginty 3.57, Rachel Doherty 4.12, Joan Mc Lain 4.51, Sinead Mc Dermott and Claire Harkin, 5.35. Despite the temperatures, seven Foyle Valley athletes achieved personal bests (PBs) Barry Smith 3.00, Barry Dinsmore 3.11, Teague Whoriskey 3.12, Hugo Hegarty 3.14, Mark Linton, 3.18, Martina Mc Mullan 3.44 and Denise Doherty 4.04. Other notable runs on the day were those of Brian Kelly, 3.04, Ryan Snodgrass 3.07, (who was hot on the heels of Nell Mc Andrew at the finish line ) Jackie Doherty 3.12, Martin Dunleavy 3.19, John Cartin 3.22, Tom Doherty 3.23, Ciaran Bradley 3.39. Nicholas Mullan, 3.44, Peter Loughery 4.11. Valley Stalwart, Billy Orr, returning from injury, cruised comfortably home in 3.35, enjoying the sights and sounds of the carnival London marathon atmosphere. Foyle Valleys ladies Kate Meehan 4.17,Catriona Dunleavy 4.23 and Maura Henry 4.31, all savoured this once in a lifetime experience of one of the greatest marathons in the world running calendar. As always the London Marathon atmosphere was electric, with 36,000 running and thousands lining the route all the way encouraging all the runners, especially over those last few hard miles. Thanks are due both to all family members and friends who travelled to London support the Foyle Valley runners and to Noel McMonagle at the Foyle Hospice who once again skilfully co-ordinated such a memorable trip.