Striders were adorned with medals after sterling efforts in the London Marathon on Sunday (April 22). The team took part for a stack of different reasons and were rewarded for their weeks of training and alcohol abstinence (ok, days) by fine weather and thousands in the cheering crowds. Speedy Simon Fell finished in a smashing 3:08:48 despite a niggling knee injury and even 'eased off' to enjoy the atmosphere. Long-distance king Stephen Parker was just a minute-and-a-bit behind, crossing the line in 3:10:07. Birthday boy Nick Wells was next, racing to the finish in 3:37:11, sweaty engagement ring in his shorts pocket ready to propose to Sarah. Back first for the ladies was Debbie Fraser in 3:41:32, and Vicky Old in 3:43:18, who fainted at the finish and got zipped into a ‘body bag’. Fortunately she staged a full recovery, and fought her way out to collect more than £720 sponsorship for her charity, Beating Bowel Cancer. Running for Cancer Research UK was Richard Rae, who has raised more than £3,300 and gained a 3:48:28 finishing time. Caroline Gasper was back seconds later in 3:49:13, Nikki Loomes running for Headway and meningitis research and support finished in 4:21:23, Matt Fairleigh in 4:26:16, Cat Davison in 4:33:58 and David Babbs in 4:43:41 having smashed his £2012 target for the Prostate Cancer Charity and Breast Cancer Care (Team PB).

Vicky Old, Nick Wells, Stephen Parker and Caroline Gasper