The latest news from the Ilford Athletic Club

Ilford Recorder: Natasha Mansouri of Ilford AC at the London Marathon (pic: Ilford AC)Natasha Mansouri of Ilford AC at the London Marathon (pic: Ilford AC) (Image: Archant)

A team of nine Ilford AC runners took to the sweltering streets of the capital to take part in the London Marathon.

Ilford Recorder: Carlie Qirem of Ilford AC at the London Marathon (pic: Ilford AC)Carlie Qirem of Ilford AC at the London Marathon (pic: Ilford AC) (Image: Archant)

Leading the way Amin Koikai, who finished in two hours, 36 minutes 53 seconds for 88th in a field of 40,138 finishers and second in the M45 category.

Ilford Recorder: Carlie Qiremi of Ilford AC at the London Marathon (pic: Ilford AC)Carlie Qiremi of Ilford AC at the London Marathon (pic: Ilford AC) (Image: Archant)

Next home was Seb Parris who, in his 50th marathon, recorded 3:37.07 despite having his preparations hindered by injury.

Ilford Recorder: Amin Koikai of Ilford AC at the London Marathon (pic: Ilford AC)Amin Koikai of Ilford AC at the London Marathon (pic: Ilford AC) (Image: Archant)

Not far behind was Dennis Briggs in 3:56.42 and Rohan Alexander 4:08.53.

Ilford Recorder: Seb Parris of Ilford AC at the London Marathon (pic: Ilford AC)Seb Parris of Ilford AC at the London Marathon (pic: Ilford AC) (Image: Archant)

Ilford’s leading female entrant Carlie Qirem ran a well judged race, two weeks after running in the Paris marathon, in 4:11.42.

Ilford Recorder: Adnan Karimi of Ilford AC at the London Marathon (pic: Ilford AC)Adnan Karimi of Ilford AC at the London Marathon (pic: Ilford AC) (Image: Archant)

The club had three runners making their marathon debuts: Tony Young (4:34.37), Adnan Karim (5:15.36) and Natasha Mansouri (5:40.04).

Ilford Recorder: Amin Koikaii of Ilford AC at the London Marathon (pic: Ilford AC)Amin Koikaii of Ilford AC at the London Marathon (pic: Ilford AC) (Image: Archant)

Racewalker Stuart Bennett heel-toed his way around the course in 5:25.59.

Ilford Recorder: Seb Parris of Ilford AC at the London Marathon (pic: Ilford AC)Seb Parris of Ilford AC at the London Marathon (pic: Ilford AC) (Image: Archant)

Ilford were also very well represented with a large turnout at the water station managed by the club at mile 19 at Canary Wharf.

Ilford Recorder: Tony Young of Ilford AC at the London Marathon (pic: Ilford AC)Tony Young of Ilford AC at the London Marathon (pic: Ilford AC) (Image: Archant)

Volunteers were kept busy on a scorching day, keeping runners refreshed and offering vocal support, especially as Ilford runners came through.

Ilford Recorder: Ilford AC members look after a water station at the London Marathon (pic: Ilford AC)Ilford AC members look after a water station at the London Marathon (pic: Ilford AC) (Image: Archant)

Ilford AC youngsters continued their good early season performances by all running best times in the Mini Marathon.

Ilford Recorder: Ilford AC at the London Mini Marathon (pic: Ilford AC)Ilford AC at the London Mini Marathon (pic: Ilford AC) (Image: Archant)

The course takes in the last three miles of the London Marathon course and is a great experience for the young athletes.

Ilford’s Aaron Samuels (16.24) was eighth in the under-15 boys’ race and was joined in the field by club colleagues Jak Wright (16.41), Farris Patel (17.22) and Bradley Deacon (17.59)

In the under-13 boys’ race, Matthew Hick (18.21) was first home for Ilford, followed by Ryan Holeyman (20.50).

Running in her final Mini Marathon was Jordan Hinds, who clocked 19.41.

Ahead of the weekend’s marathon, Parris was in action at the VAC Five Mile Walk in Battersea Park.

Parris was making his debut in a VAC event and was joined by eleven starters, though was the sole Ilford entrant in the field.

The Ilford man won the race comfortably in a time of 43.26, finishing over six minutes ahead of second place.

With such a sizable lead throughout, Parris even had chance to ease off the pace in the final lap of three.