FIVE runners from Vale Royal Athletics Club recorded personal bests during Sunday’s Virgin London Marathon.

Ian Brough was first of the nine-strong contingent to complete a course through the capital, lowering a previous lifetime marker to 3:08.26.

Dave Haines ran consistent splits throughout the race to clock 3:14.29.

Helen Smith improved her previous personal best by 10 minutes to finish in 3:17.33 – sealing 38th place in the women’s 45-49 age class.

Gemma Barnett, John Todd and Nick Haywood were next across the line before Paul Clutterbuck, who overcame a hamstring injury that had hampered his preparation to claim a lifetime best of 3:55.54.

Mel Johnson, in 4:03.55, and race debutant Steph Cooper in 4:40.33 completed Vale Royal’s entry.

In the Mini Marathon, teenager Sam Whitehead was part of the North West’s team in the under 17s boys’ category.

He finished 38th in 15:18.