Marathon effort from runners across the area

RUNNERS from across the area completed the gruelling London Marathon.
Nick Goodger, 31, of Wallington, completed the London Marathon in 4hrs 9mins for the Royal British LegionNick Goodger, 31, of Wallington, completed the London Marathon in 4hrs 9mins for the Royal British Legion
Nick Goodger, 31, of Wallington, completed the London Marathon in 4hrs 9mins for the Royal British Legion

Supporting well-deserved charities they pounded the capital’s pavements.

Nick Goodger, 31, from Wallington, completed the run in 4hrs and 9mins – despite getting cramp and needing physio at 24 miles.

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Nick, a rugby player with Havant RFC and dockyard worker, was raising cash for the Royal British Legion.

Annette Ablitt with her medalAnnette Ablitt with her medal
Annette Ablitt with her medal

His wife Alice, 28, was there supporting him with family.

He said: ‘It was absolutely brilliant, it was a bit slow at the beginning but as I reached the tourist areas we had people shouting. I hit the wall down in the Docklands and I ran a bit slower than I hoped but I did it.

‘My wife came down and some of her family – it gives you that motivation.

‘Around 17 or 20 miles I was in a world of pain. I was in a dark place, trying to get as many Jelly Babies in as possible.

Annette Ablitt with her medalAnnette Ablitt with her medal
Annette Ablitt with her medal
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‘My leg cramped up – that was at 24 miles. The last 1,000 metres were the longest 1,000 metres I’ve ever run.’

Nick has raised about £1,900 for the Royal British Legion.

He picked the group as his grandad was supported by them after being held as a prisoner of war in the Second World War. Nick added: ‘It’s about trying to give something back, whether that’s for physical or mental ailments.’

And way above Nick in space, astronaut Tim Peake completed the race too. The spaceman, from Westbourne near Emsworth, ran the marathon while strapped to a treadmill 400km above earth on board the International Space Station.

He completed it in 3hrs and 35mins, just minutes behind Dame Kelly Holmes finish time of 3hrs and 11mins.

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Annette Ablitt ran for Huntington’s Disease Association, as her late partner Craig McConnachie died from the condition.

Annette, who finished in 5hrs 23mins, and has raised more than £2,800, said: ‘It was fantastic – the crowd was more amazing than I could imagine, and I must have had my name called out 100 times.’