The latest news from the Ilford Athletic Club
A team of nine Ilford AC runners took to the sweltering streets of the capital to take part in the London Marathon.
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.
Next home was Seb Parris who, in his 50th marathon, recorded 3:37.07 despite having his preparations hindered by injury.
Not far behind was Dennis Briggs in 3:56.42 and Rohan Alexander 4:08.53.
Ilford’s leading female entrant Carlie Qirem ran a well judged race, two weeks after running in the Paris marathon, in 4:11.42.
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).
Racewalker Stuart Bennett heel-toed his way around the course in 5:25.59.
Ilford were also very well represented with a large turnout at the water station managed by the club at mile 19 at Canary Wharf.
Volunteers were kept busy on a scorching day, keeping runners refreshed and offering vocal support, especially as Ilford runners came through.
Ilford AC youngsters continued their good early season performances by all running best times in the Mini Marathon.
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.
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