HOLLY Weedall claimed a national title in style at the London Mini Marathon on Sunday.

The Vale Royal Athletics Club member, representing the North West, was a victor in the under 13s girls’ race over the final three miles of the main course.

It earned for her first prize in the British Athletics Road Championship, incorporated in the annual event for the 10th time.

The Weaverham High School student timed 17.15, leaving Maisy Luke (South West) trailing 23 seconds behind.

Meanwhile Vale Royal’s Grace Roberts was 22nd in the same category after clocking 18.46.

Both were counters for their team, which finished in fourth place.

Patrick Griffith crossed the line 43rd in the under 13s boys’ race, while Will Ashfield also ranked inside the top 50 in the under 15s boys’ age-group category in 16.36.

Francesca Harris matched Griffith’s achievement in the under 15s girls’ event, and Alex Doyle classified 36th among the under 17s boys.

Holly Smith, who represented England at the International School Sport Federation World Schools’ Cross Country Championships in Paris earlier this month, was fifth in the under 17s girls’ race after timing 17.04.

Her twin sister, Lucy, was selected to run but an ankle injury prevented her from taking part.

Andrew McQue led Vale Royal’s contingent in the main marathon, finishing in 2:47.25, followed by Chris Jones.

Gemma Barnett was the first of the club’s women to cross the line in 3:23.16.

Chairman Stu Doyle’s debut at the event started badly when he was tripped and fell heavily.

A rib injury ended early his involvement after 17 miles, while Nicola Cavanagh pipped husband Joe by a six-second margin following a final dash down The Mall.

Results

London Marathon (Vale Royal AC members only)

Sunday, April 22

Andrew McQue 2:47.25

Chris Jones 3:09.48

Gemma Barnett 3:23.16

Richard Murray 3:25.17

Nicola Cavanagh 3:33.49

Joe Cavanagh 3:33.55

Brian Dooley 3:39.16

Carolyn Dooley 3:43.36

Eleanor Riches 4:05.50

Debbie Broad 4:21.40

Matt Woolley 4:36.30

Carole Williams 5:07.20