IT was an early-morning start for 14 runners from Haslemere Border Athletic Club who braved record temperatures to compete in the 37th London Marathon.

The famous race was tough going for all, but the Border contingent were cheered on throughout the race by an enthusiastic and vocal group of supporters, including family, friends and fellow club runners.

First home for Haslemere in the men’s race was Jon Fairs in a sizzling time to match the hot conditions, 2hrs 46mins 52secs, giving him 55th place in his age category and a superb 305th overall.

Close behind was Joe Perkins in an equally impressive 2-49-12, while Luke Shearring managed a rapid 2-54-25. Three Border men inside three hours – a remarkable achievement.

Although disappointed with his time, senior club coach Daniel Allaway set a new club men’s V50 record with his 3-21-00.

A jubilant Helen Barran was Haslemere Border’s first lady home, achieving a new personal best time of 3-36-09 to finish 714th in the women’s race and 133rd in her age category.

Marathon debutant Josie Phillimore came home in 4-59-36 – a fine effort in the heat.

The unseasonable heat took its toll on the Border group, but they can be proud of their valiant efforts in this prestigious event.

Saturday saw the Graduation Parkrun at Alice Holt for runners who completed the latest Get Up and Run course with Haslemere Border AC. The 12-week course is an introduction to running aimed at people of all abilities who have never run before or who want to start again after a break.

The course started in the depths of winter, with the group meeting on Saturday mornings at the Punch Bowl and on Tuesday evenings in Grayshott, with the runners completing a ‘homework’ run in their own time. Initially, the candidates were encouraged to run a minute at a time, each week, building up to a 45-minute run before the Parkrun.

Sarah Barnett, GUAR head coach, said: “I’ve been really proud of the candidates and the team that have helped. I hope it has encouraged them to either continue to run socially or to join the club.”