Marathon effort by Tone Zone team as 52 26-milers clocked up in April

BOGNOR Tone Zone runners literally went the extra mile this April, clocking up 52 marathons by 47 of their members.

By far the most popular event was the 26 mile race in where 31 runners from the Bognor Regis-based club took part.

Running her first marathon was Kari Mack, who blasted to a new club female record time of 3 hours 20 minutes.

Afterwards, she said: "What an amazing day. I have the biggest grin, sorest legs and weird blisters under my toe nails and wearing them all with pride! What an achievement by all the runners and the support was awesome!"

Also making their marathon debuts were Michael Manwill, Nathan Bilham, Stan Mack, Adam Norgett, Karen Vilday and Alison Stead.

Ian Bayley, Andy Miles, Christine Rounds and Gary Smith all ran personal bests. This was especially pleasing for Bayley who put a few ghosts to rest after two or three marathons where he struggled to get the time he wanted.

Elsewhere, Duncan Stephenson-Gill flew to America to run in the Boston marathon, battling with freezing temperatures and driving rain to run a fantastic time of 3:28.

Also flying the flag abroad was Chris Gallagher how took part in the Madrid Marathon, he posted a time of 3:39 having to cope with the opposite weather from Boston.

A further 11 runners pounded the streets for the London Marathon.

Duncan Stephenson-Gill took his place on the start line after only having six days to recover from Boston and still ran a very creditable 3:47.

Debbie Patching was running her first marathon since fracturing her hip two years ago. It wasn't easy but she battled on to record a personal best time of 5:23. Carole Mulry was also a first time marathoner and finished in 6:18. Paul Coe and Stuart Thomson had both run at Brighton but they were also in London. They both enjoyed the race with Thomson running five minutes slower with 5:19 but Coe excelled in London running 14 minutes faster with a 4:12

Stuart Thomson and Debbie Patching at London

The April endurance prize goes to Jude Bazeley who competed at Brighton (5:34), then the off-road Bad Cow Frolic marathon near Corfe Castle, Dorset.

On the very next day Bazeley set off again on the same course for an outstanding double - clocking just six minutes slower than on day one with a 6:34 and 6:40.