The London Marathon returned to the streets of the capital after an absence of two and a half years with eight Ilford Athletics Club runners taking part.

Sam Rahman had a steady controlled run after having some foot problems in his build up, reaching halfway in one hour 29 minutes 57 seconds and finishing the 26 miles in three hours, three minutes and 53 seconds.

On her debut over the classic distance, Gaye Young was the next Ilford runner home in three hours, 56 minutes and 20 seconds, which gave her the Good for Age qualification for the F50 grouping for next year's race.

Ilford Recorder: Julia Galea of Ilford AC at the London MarathonJulia Galea of Ilford AC at the London Marathon (Image: Ilford AC)

Also reaching this qualification mark was Julia Galea (4:36:07) in the F65 category.

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

Alan Pearl had a steady run with 4:01:48, and Tony Young was not far behind on 4:11:12 for a new PB over the distance.

Ilford Recorder: Ray ‘Sparra’ Everingham during the London MarathonRay ‘Sparra’ Everingham during the London Marathon (Image: Ilford AC)

Ray ‘Sparra’ Everingham bagged a time of 4:56:34 - a 34-minute improvement on his previous run over the distance for last years ‘virtual’ London Marathon.

Lovedip Dhaliwal finished in 5.38.55 and Mandeep Bassi 5.42.56. They both enjoyed the debut runs at the London Marathon to complete the Ilford AC line-up.

Ilford Recorder: Gaye Young, Ray ‘Sparra’ Everingham and Mandeep BassiGaye Young, Ray ‘Sparra’ Everingham and Mandeep Bassi (Image: Ilford AC)

With races coming thick and fast and the London Marathon the following day, Ilford AC were still able to field two senior men’s and three senior ladies teams at Weald Country Park.

Although finishing outside the medal positions, all Ilford AC runners did themselves proud in this prestigious county cross country event with all five teams finishing in the top 20 of their respective categories.

Ilford Recorder: Ilford Athletics Club runners at the Essex County RelaysIlford Athletics Club runners at the Essex County Relays (Image: Ilford AC)

Teams of three ladies were Jordan Hinds, Carlie Qirem, Anna Crawley, Breege Nordin, Alison Sale, Sharon Honey, Frieda Keane, Pramila Monro and Diane Crisp.

The two men's teams of four were John Crawley, Rhys Edwards, Dylan Harrod, Seb Parris, Dennis Briggs, Adam Coals, Steve Crane and Neil Crisp.

The second fixture of the winter's Chingford League was held over a five-mile course in Central Park Dagenham of grass and on trails in the adjoining Eastbrookend Country Park.

Ilford AC again fielded a depleted squad due to fixture clashes in a busy autumn schedule.

There was an excellent run from Gary Coombes as he stormed home in third spot in 28 minutes 33 seconds.

Ed Skinner (43:01) came home 127th, Rob Sargent (45:06) 144th and Trevor Robinson (47:26) in 158th.