The twice postponed London marathon made a welcome return recently and four brave souls from Aberystwyth Athletic Club were among the 36,000 participants that ran, walked, and crawled through the 26.2 miles of London streets.

Edward Land led the Aber contingent home in a fantastic sub three hours time of 2.57.43 with Paul Williams not far behind in a time of 3.09.11.

It was the first time in the London Marathon for both Helen Williams and Lyndsey Wheeler and having run together both finished in a time of 05.31.46. After all the hard training Lyndsey was delighted with the achievement,

She said: “I had run one marathon previously in Newport but the London Marathon experience was incredible.

“The weather was glorious except for five minutes of torrential rain. The atmosphere was amazing, support was overwhelming and the event was very well organised.

“The support from Aberystwyth AC during the training weeks and months beforehand was incredible and we were proud to run and represent the club.”

On the same day the Chester marathon was also staged and club runner Lynsey Gamble completed the Chester triple – 10k, half marathon and finally the marathon and she finished the race with husband Neil at her side in a time of 5.44.17, an incredible two hours quicker than her previous best at a virtual event last year.

The Cardiff Half Marathon was due to be held on the same date but has been deferred to March next year.

Runners were however challenged to run the virtual half marathon and Lynwen Huxtable and Karen Davies bravely took on the challenge and after a very windy and wet 13.1 miles completed the race in times of 1.47.43 (Lynwen) and 1.51.51 (Karen).

The annual Cardiff Bay 10k race did go ahead as planned recently with Edward Land coming in 29th overall in a time of 34.48, Owain Schiavone was not far behind in a time of 35.45 with Paul Williams hot on his heels with a time of 39.52. Julie Williams also completed the course in a time of 1.10.36.

Moving ever so slightly north – to Scotland and the isle of Arran in fact where the Ultra Tour of Arran was recently held, a two-day off-road running adventure where competitors are required to complete 52 miles through some brutal climbs and slippery peat bogs.

Karen Kemish from Aberystwyth succeeded in completing the route in a fantastic time of 12.43.19 with Ian Brandreth coming home in an equally incredible time of 13.50.19.

If you would like to hear more about Aberystwyth Athletic Club and join in its activities visit www.aberystwythac.wordpress.com or find the club on Facebook.