London Marathons & VAC

London Marathon 21 April 2024

At least 50 VAC members completed the course from Greenwich to the Mall along with around 50,000 others. The weather was conducive for good times with a cool cloudy start and some pleasant sunshine during the day.  

Nine members achieved sub three-hour times and nine were in the top ten of their age groups. Alice Riddell-Webster of Fulham RC topped the W55-59 category with a fine time of 2:58:15. Simon Shaw of Ealing, Southall & Middlesex placed second in the M50-54 age group with 2:36:18. Karima Harris of Highgate Harriers was the fastest VAC woman and second in the W50-54 age group but was very unlucky to miss top place, including a new British record. Her chip time of 2:48:29 was just three seconds slower than the age group’s winner, although Karima wasn’t aware of her rival’s presence in the throng.  

The fastest VAC member was Ed Chuck (M35) of Dulwich Runners setting a PB of 2:26:02. Next was Richard McDowell of Hercules Wimbledon now in the M45-49 category in a time of 2:28:56, placing him third in the age group. The third fastest was Micah Evans (M40) of Blackheath & Bromley in 2:36:02, faster than last year by over two minutes. Eddie Ware (M45, 2:45:51), Adam May (M40, 2:51:10) and Steve Ingledew (M60, 2:58.36, 9th in the M60-64 age group) were the other sub-three performers. Other top-ten age group placers were Susanna Harrison (4th W60, 3:24:09), John Carter (6th M80+, 5:52:27) and Ruth Hutton (8th W55, 3:11:40) with John Foss a commendable 12th in the M65 category with 3:14:39.

Two of VAC’s walkers race-walked the course. Ian Richards was competitive with the runners and placed 10th in the M75 category in 4:41:47. John Arthur (M60) posted a creditable 5:17:51. 

VAC was allocated one club place which was awarded to the first interested member whose name was drawn out of a hat. This year, the lucky person was Dean Saliba (M45) of Victoria Park & Tower Hamlets. He was grateful for the opportunity and completed the event in 4:13:19.  

Congratulations again go to Bill O’Connor who is one of the six remaining “Ever-Presents” who have completed every single London Marathon since its inception in 1981. Bill, now in the M75-79 age category, duly completed his 44th event in a time of 6:41:45.  

The table below of VAC members’ performances has been compiled from scrutinising the official results. Apologies if we have failed to spot someone. Please let Maggie Statham-Berry (entries@vetsac.org.uk ) know if this is the case. 

London Marathon 23 April 2023

VAC’s members were out in force and at least 49 members completed the course.

There were ten members under three hours and five who finished in the top ten of their age groups. The fastest VAC member, once again, appears to be Richard McDowell in the M40-44 category in a time of 2:38:08. The next fastest was Simon Shaw in 2:38:33 which placed him an excellent 9th in the M50-54 age group. A near-identical time of 2:38:34 was set by Micah Evans (M40).

Ginevra Stoneley was the fastest VAC woman, in 2:56:01, placing 14th in the W45-49 category. Next was Dani Tarleton in 2:58:45, an excellent 4th W50-54. Alice Riddell-Webster was the best placed member with a fantastic 2nd place for her time of 2:59:45 in the W55-59 age group. Ruth Hutton was 5th W55-59 and Susanna Harrison was 6th W60-64.

A special mention again goes to Bill O’Connor who is one of the seven “Ever-Presents” who have completed every single London Marathon since its inception in 1981. Bill, now in the M75-79 age category, duly completed his 43rd event in a time of 5:57:59. In 2023, seven Ever-Presents started, and seven finished.

VAC was allocated one club place. Ben Martin-Dye of Fetch Everyone Running Club was the lucky person to be drawn from the hat and he completed the course in 3:03:45, a time which pleasingly should secure him a "good for age" place in next year's event.

The table below has been compiled from scrutinising the official results. Apologies if we have failed to spot someone. Please let Maggie Statham-Berry (entries@vetsac.org.uk) know if this is the case.

London Marathon 2 October 2022

TCS London Marathon

From scrutinising the official results, at least 20 VAC members completed the London Marathon in October. The fastest, once again, appears to be Richard McDowell in the M40-44 category in a time of 2:40:03. The next fastest was Sue McDonald, again the fastest VAC woman, in 2:54:39. Sue’s magnificent time placed her second in the race’s W55-59 category. Karima Harris also came a fantastic second in her age group, W50-54, in a time of 2:57:30. Other sub-3 hour performances were posted by Alice Riddell-Webster who was fourth in the W55-59 category in 2:58:19, and by Paul Hughes who set a time of 2:57:43 to come second in the M65-69 category.

A special mention goes to Bill O’Connor who is one of the seven remaining “Ever-Presents” who have completed every single London Marathon since its inception in 1981. Bill, now in the M75-79 age category, duly completed his 42^nd event in a time of 5:50:32.

London Marathon 3 October 2021

Virgin Money London Marathon

The abundance of Autumn marathons, some repositioned from the Spring, gave VAC’s marathon runners welcome opportunities to cover the classic distance in real, rather than virtual, events. The Virgin London Marathon was the focus for most with at least 41 members taking part.

The fastest VAC member was once again Richard McDowell, finishing 2nd in the M40-44 category in 2:23:06, two seconds quicker than in 2019. The fastest woman was Sue McDonald who was first in the W50-54 category, setting a new British record of 2:51:27. Her SLH clubmate, Ian Kitching, also excelled. On his birthday, he came second in his new M70 age group and went on to win Gold at the British Masters marathon in York two weeks later. Other great performances came from Jon Cross (9th M60), Karima Harris (7th W50) and Alice Riddell-Webster (12th W50).

A marathon report would not be complete without mentioning Bill O’Connor, one of only seven remaining London Marathon “Ever Presents”. He duly completed his 41st London Marathon in a very consistent time of 5:34:09.

The table below has been compiled by scrutinising the official results. Apologies if we have failed to spot some members.

London Marathon 2020

Pending

London Marathon 28 April 2019

Martin Daoud, 3:22:55

Victoria Carter, 3:28:55, as the tail-end of a sausage dog!

Runs in the family: Peter Kennedy's son (1716), 2:41:25, and daughter (788), 2:44:35, 2nd W40

At least 34 VAC members completed the 39th London Marathon. After a cold start, the cool conditions contributed to good times, which in most cases were quicker than achieved in last year’s heat wave. Richard McDowell of Hercules Wimbledon was the first VAC person home, and also the first Masters athlete in the non-elite men’s field. With the VLM defining Masters as 40 and over, Richard qualified by less than two weeks. His time of 2:23:08 was four minutes quicker than last year’s and a big PB. It placed him 10th overall in the non-elite race. Another VAC star was Kent AC’s Chris Greenwood who came in as 1st M45 in a fine time of 2:25:50. Fellow Kent AC runner, Robert Laing, was 6th in the M40 category with 2:27:17, and a massive PB. In the older age groups, Len Reilly’s sub 3-hour time placed him 25th M55, John Foss was 12th in the M60s with 3:09:22 and Liam O’Hare’s 3:48:21 placed him 11th in the M70 category,

Jo Vickers of SLH was the first VAC woman in 3:00:32, 16th in the W40 age group. Victoria Buck (W40) of Kent AC was next in 3:11:46, continuing her consistent five-year sequence of similar times. Ange Norris from Dulwich Runners and Susanna Harrison from Guildford & Godalming dominated the W55 age group. Ange was 2nd in a time of 3:12:58, whilst Susanna was 3rd in 3:14:35. Rachel Badham, in her first marathon for ten years, clocked a pleasing 3:13:14 and was 40th in the W45 age group. 

VAC’s walkers were represented by Kathy Crilley and David Hoben. Kathy completed the course in 5:45:38 and was 39th in the W70 age group. David (M65) was pleased to dip under six hours, by 11 seconds.

VAC’s club place had been won in a ballot by Alan Roberts who is in the M55 age group. He completed the course in a creditable 3:55:09.

Special congratulations once again go to VAC’s Bill O’Connor who is famous as one of the dwindling band of London Marathon “Ever-Presents”. He kept up his amazing record and competed for the 39th time, completing the course in 5:33:13. After this year’s marathon, ten ever-presents remain.

Athletics’ prowess runs in families and maybe members have stories to share about the achievements of their offspring or parents? For example, VAC’s Membership Secretary, Peter Kennedy, had the pleasure of watching his son and daughter run in the London Marathon and eclipse his own best marathon time of 2:45. His son, in the M35 age group, clocked 2:41:25 and his daughter ran 2:44:35 to place second W40 in the non-elite field (photo of both above).

And finally, to follow up her “fastest nun” marathon record, Victoria Carter this year donned a three-person sausage dog costume and completed the race in a commendable 3:28:55 as the tail-end of the dog (photo above)! 

The VAC members’ results, below, have been compiled by scanning the Virgin Money London Marathon results website. Inevitably, some members will have been missed. Apologies if you are not included. Please let Maggie at entries@vetsac.org.uk know your placings, and we will amend the list. If you have a suitable photo for the website, we would be pleased to show it.

I have included several VAC members in the list whose subscriptions expired on 31 March. If you are one of them, I hope you will renew soon. Your continued membership is appreciated.

London Marathon 22 April 2018

Over 30 VAC members completed the Virgin Money London Marathon in unseasonably hot conditions which did not promise fast times. Nevertheless, there were some great achievements.

Lynda Hembury was ranked Number One in the W60-64 listing with a superb time of 3:28.33. Susanna Harrison’s time of 3:25.46 placed her fourth in the W55-59 ranking, while Fiona Russell was 10th W45-49 in 3:14.02. For the men, in the M60-64 category, Jon Cross was second in 3:03:46 and Steve Smythe 10th in 3:16:39.

The first VAC member to finish was Richard McDowell in 2:27.56, placing him 11th in the M18-39 age category and 15th in the whole non-elite men’s race. He was one of the few who ran faster than last year and was rewarded with a PB by over seven minutes. Kent AC’s Stuart Beaney was next for VAC in 2:42.25, placing him 25th in the highly competitive M40-44 age group. He was closely followed by clubmate, Robert Laing, in 2:42.35 for 28th place.

On a good day for Kent AC, Victoria Buck was the first VAC woman to finish in a time of 3:12.51, placing her 27th in the similarly highly competitive W40-44 age group.

VAC’s Club place had been won in the ballot by Dave Hoben. As a race-walker, he was on the course for a testing 6 hours 26 seconds, but coped well. 

Special congratulations go to Bill O’Connor who is famous as one of the 11 remaining London Marathon “Ever-Presents”. He kept up his amazing record and competed for the 38th time, completing the course in 5:46.09. For 2018’s marathon, it is reported happily that all the 11 ever-presents started, and all finished.

The VAC members’ results, below, have been compiled by scanning the Virgin Money London Marathon results website. Inevitably, I am bound to have missed some members. Apologies if you are not included. Please let me (Maggie at entries@vetsac.org.uk ) know your placings, and I will amend the list. I have included several VAC members whose subscriptions expired on 31 March. If you are one of them, I hope you will renew soon. Your continued membership is appreciated.

London Marathon 23 April 2017

 
Chris Greenwood at 19 miles John Foss, Marathon 1st 55

Charles Lound (Dulwich) 1742

Photos from Jeremy Hemming
Jeremy has more photos. You can contact him direct at hemming@dircon.co.uk

Over 30 VAC members completed the Marathon in ideal cool and dry weather conditions. Thomas Payn (M35) once again led the way in a super-fast time of 2:22:19 to place 13th of all the non-elite men. VAC cross country champion, Richard Mcdowell (M35) was next for VAC, setting a PB of 2:35:17. Nine VAC men went under three hours with some fine placings by Andrew Mitchell (M45), Stuart Fraser (M50) and Len Reilly (M55) in the top 20 for their age groups.

The first three VAC women posted times within two minutes of each other. Ange Norris set a PB of 3:08:29 to place a magnificent 3rd in the W55 age group. Fiona Russell’s 3:09:07 put her 9th W45 and Susanna Harrison was 5th W50 in 3:10:14. For the W60s, Avril Riddell was a fine 10th in 3:48:18.

VAC’s walkers were represented by Dave Hoben whose time of 5:54:03 was faster than last year’s and comfortably below 6 hours.  

Special congratulations go to Bill O’Connor who is one of the 11 remaining London Marathon “Ever-Presents”. He kept up his amazing record and competed for the 37th time, completing the course in 5:30:48.

The VAC members’ results, below, have been compiled by scanning the Virgin Money London Marathon results website. Inevitably, we are bound to have missed some members. Apologies if you are not included. Please let me (Maggie at entries@vetsac.org.uk ) know your placings, and I will amend the list. I have included several VAC members whose subscriptions expired on 31 March. If you are one of them, please renew as soon as possible.

London Marathon 24 April 2016

VLM, mass nearing 19 MIles at 12.45

 
Paul Cheetham Andy Murray has 7 miles to go

 
David Symons (THH) was 25th M45 in 2:42:08 Thomas Payn (Run Fast) was 5th M35 in 2:21:20 was fastest VAC no doubt

Photos from Jeremy Hemming

Jeremy has advised us that, following the demise of the imagetogo sites, he is sourcing a new service to be able to continue suppling members with photos. In the meantime you can contact him direct at hemming@dircon.co.uk 

VAC Members at the Virgin London Marathon: 24 April 2016

At least 34 VAC members took to the streets of London in the 2016 Virgin London Marathon. Our fastest was Thomas Payn (M35), the recent BMAF 10k champion, who set a magnificent time of 2:21:20. VAC cross country champion, Paul Cheetham, getting faster every year, was next for VAC, setting a PB of 2:34:05, taking a very good 20^th position in the M40 age group. David Symons was the third VAC-placer, running 2:42:08 to achieve 25^th place in the very competitive M45 age group.  

For the women, Clare Elms set a new PB of 2:53:52 to head the W50 age group, and take a remarkable 31^st place in the whole women’s field. Well done to Victoria Buck (W40), Susanna Harrison (W50), Pippa Major (W50), Lynn Wilson (W55) and Ann Bath (W65) who all achieved top 50 age group placings.  

VAC’s walkers were ably represented by John Ralph and Dave Hoben. 

Special congratulations go to Bill O’Connor who is one of the 12 remaining London Marathon “Ever-Presents”. Happily, he kept up his fantastic record and competed for the 36^th time, completing the course in 5:18:35.  

The VAC members’ results, below, have been compiled by scanning the Virgin London Marathon results website. Inevitably, we are bound to have missed some members. Apologies if you are not included. Please let me (entries@vetsac.org.uk) know your placings, and I will amend the list.

London Marathon 26 April 2015

Clare Elms (498) at Docklands

Alexander Hamilton M40

Above photos by Jeremy Hemming

M40 22 Paul Cheetham (Barnes Runners) 2:36:33
  35 Alex Hamilton(BMH) 2:38:11
M50 63 Leonard Reilly(Kent) 2:56.45
  168 Richard Tweddle (VAC) 3:08:41
M55 70 Stephen Smythe(Dul) 3:14:37
  87 Keith Brown(Sutton) 3:17:04
M60 1 Paul Sanderson(G&G) 2:54:41
  72 Andy Murray(Dul) 3:34:47
  484 David Hoben (SWC) (walker) 5:52:43
M65 42 Maurice Sharp(HW) 3:48:11
  169 Dennis Williams(HW) 4:53:50
  228 William O'Connor(QPR) 5:43:26

W40 49 Victoria Carter(TVH) 3:13:23
W50 1 Clare Elms(Dul R) 2:55.26
  5 Susannah Harrison(G&G) 3:08:23
  54 Pippa Major(SLH) 3:32:38

London Marathon 13 April 2014

Chris Greenwood (913) in Docklands

Ben Reynolds at Docklands

Above photos by Jeremy Hemming

London Marathon, Vac Placings as at 20 April

M40 1 Chris Greenwood(Kent AC) 2:27:59
M50 1 Ben Reynolds(THH) 2:33:53
M45 12 David Symons (THH) 2:41:14
M55 8 John Foss(SLH) 2:56:57
M65 2 Graham Ball(Windmilers) 3:14:07
M55 62 Steve Smyth(Dul R) 3:16:38
M55 89 Keith Brown(Sutton) 3:21:55
M60 28 Andy Murray(Dul R) 3:27:53
M60 71 Gerry Smith(E&E) 3:29:21
M50 637 Paul Browning (VAC) 3:48:23
M55 695 Steve Allen(Ilford) 5:12:04

W55 21 Andrea Sanders-Reece 3:42:38
W60 3 Jane Georghiou 3:49:10

London Marathon 21 April 2013

At Canary Wharf: David Symons(24529) 

Above photo by Jeremy Hemming

 
Bill O'connor Jeffrey Gordon

Above photos from Mike Peel

London Marathon, VAC Member's times 2013

Buzz Shephard(Dul R) 35 2:37:38
David Symons(THH) 40 2:41.14
Peter Lee(HW) 45 2:53:05
Damian Shirley(Highgate) 40 3:02:57
Susannah Harrison(Wok) W50 3:10:41
Steve Smythe(Dul R) 55 3:12:27
Belinda Tull(Reading RR) W40 3:25:07
Victoria Carter(Serp) W40 3:30:14
Ola Balme(Dul R) W45 3:31:23
Maurice Sharp(HW) 65 3:36:25
Paul Wignall(HW) 55 3:54:31
Steve Allen(Ilf) 55 5:13:15
Dennis Williams(VAC) 65 5:19:43
Bill O¹Connor(QPR) 65 5:32:48
Keith Seldon(Hill) 55 5:33:57
David EarL(VAC) 70 5:41:05
Richard Pitcairn-Knowles(S¹oaks) 70 6:31:39
Jeffrey Gordon(THH) 75 6:53:02
Mike Morfey(VAC) 65 7:12:55

Further claims to be added will be welcome; send to hemming@dircon.co.uk
Dated 22 April 2013

 

London Marathon 22 April 2012

 
The leaders charge past the Cutty Sark Len Reilly at Canary Wharf

Above photos by Jeremy Hemming

Mike Peel at 6ish miles

London Marathon, VAC Member's times 2012

Andy Weir M40 2:31:51
Peter Lee M45 2:52:11
Len Reilly M50 2:42:56
Steve Smythe M54 2:59:13
David Smyth M55 3:12:30
Graham Ball M60 3:07:00
Mick Barlow 3:12:01
Marie Synnott-Wells W45 3:12:39
Andrew Murray 3:16:45
Pam Iannella W50 3:31:11
Pippa Major 3:27:24
Ola Balme 3:28:44
Belinda Tull 3:31:35
Liam O'Hare M60 3:36:08
Maureen Noel 3:38:01
Maurice Sharp 3:40:20
Andrea Sanders-Reece W55 3:39:45
Susan Lambert W70 4:05:18
Angela Bent 4:12:20
Jacqui Reid 4:14:15
Ian Richards 4:23:10
Peter Freeman 4:28:56
Martin Miller 4:35:30
Mike Peel M70 4:36:00
Francis Thomason 4:39:42
Steve Allen(Ilf) 5:00:57
Christopher Bent 5:01:50
Bill O'Connor M65 5:04:02
Dennis Williams 5:12:03
Jeffery Gordon M75 6:25:33
Lesley Young 6:29:05

Compiled by Jeremy Hemming, 10.5.12
hemming@dircon.co.uk

O'Connor (2nd left back row) & Peel (2nd right back row), are VAC members that have completed ALL
32 London Marathons. See www.everpresent.org.uk

London Marathon 17 April 2011

Ben Reynolds left

 
Susan Lambert, 1st W70
Photos by Jeremy Hemming

London Marathon times achieved by VAC members

Ben Reynolds 45 2d 2:31:50

Clare Elms W45 2d 2:55:11

Colin Oxlade M50 2:58:58

Marie Synott-Wells W50 3:09:46

Andy Murray M55 3:12:47

Graham Ball 60 3:14:05

Sarah Harrison W45 3:14:36

Lesley Whiley W50 3:16:10

Pam Iannella W55 3:29:57

Andrea Sanders-Reece W55 3:46:17

Susan Lambert W70 1st 4:03:46

Dennis Williams 65 5:15:06

Mike Peel 65 5:21:09

Bill O'Connor 65 5:22:27

David W. Earl 75 5:24:26 - his 10th and last?

Peel (left back row), O'Connor (3rd back row) are VAC members that have completed ALL 31 London Marathons. See www.everpresent.org.uk

London Marathon 25 April 2010

Peel (3rd left back row), Gordon (last on right), O'Connor (4th) are VAC members that have completed ALL 30 London Marathons. See www.everpresent.org.uk

M40 4 Andy Weir 2:29:30, 7 Len Reilly 2:40:15
M50 Steve Smythe 2:46:06, Chis Finill 2:52:05
M60 3 Liam O'Hare 2:59:49, Bill O'Connor 4:46:38
M65 Mike Peel 5:25:05
M70 6 Derek Earl 3:56:58, David Earl 4:49:13
M75 Jeffrey Gordon 5:06:26

W45 Clare Pauzers 3:11:23, Alison Brownhill 3:13:25
W60 1 Ros Tabor 3:24:05, 17 Margaret Moody 4:03:01
W65 6 Sue Lambert 4:05:44

London Marathon 26 April 2009

Steve Smythe Andrew Weir (876) at Canary Wharf

Peel (3rd left back row), Gordon (6th back row), O'Connor (5th front row) are VAC members that have completed ALL 29 London Marathons. See www.everpresent.org.uk

London Marathon 13 April 2008

Liz Hartney 1st w40 - Clare Pauzers sportingly moved over when the men leaders came up at 18M - Steve Smythe at canary wharf in rain

Peel (1st left back row), Gordon (2nd back row), O'Connor (5th back row) & Chris Finill (6th back row) are VAC members that have completed ALL 28 London Marathons. See www.everpresent.org.uk

Men
M35 Dan Pescod 3:01:21

M45 Chris Finill 2:48:18

M50 4 Steve Smythe 2:43:40

M60 3 Steve Badgery 2:59:38
Bill O'Conner 4:33:18
Dennis Williams 4:34:10

M65 Mike Peel 4:12:28

M75 3 Joe Cleverly 4:12:38
Jeffrey Gordon 4:46:41

Women
W35 Juliet Rowe 3:12:31

W40 1st Liz Hartney 2:49:24
16 Anna Critchlow 3:05:56

W45 4th Leslie Whiley 3:03:07
7 Clare Pauzers 3:07:42
13 Alison Brownhill 3:14:40
20 Julia Armstrong 3:20:52

W55 2nd Marion Rayner 3:20:12
4th Jane Georghiou 3:29:52