Running 26.2 miles is hard enough in ideal conditions, but throw in 23 degrees C of heat (well into the 70’s in old money) and it can become an unimaginable ordeal.  Just ask the 5000 or so runners in London on Sunday who had to seek medical assistance as the heat took its toll, or indeed the other  31000 who ran without help but who were denied faster times by the unseasonably high temperatures. 

Fourteen Goole Viking Striders started the race, the largest ever turn out from the club, and thankfully fourteen finished, with the slowest time a very creditable 5 hours 2 minutes, which on the day was a quite magnificent achievement.  For the first time since 1993 two Striders cracked the three hour barrier, Giles Harris (2.56.40, just outside his best), and Simon Griffin (2.59.08, at last beginning to fulfill his marathon potential).  Andy Masterman (3.08.36, ten minutes off his previous best) and Martin Midgley (3.13.09 despite less than ideal preparation) weren’t far behind, but the bragging rights belonged to the sub-3 boys. 

Alison Hoggarth (4.33.22) and Marina Booth (5 hours dead, or at least that’s how she felt) were doing the distance for the first time, and both were an absolute credit to the club. It is easy to run out of superlatives describing the superhuman effort these times represent, in terms of training beforehand and on the day.  A more recent recruit to the Striders ranks, David Byas, was also making his marathon debut and recorded a very impressive 4.01.58. 

Julie Masterman (3.32.29, only four minutes outside her best) was the first Striders lady, with Sandy Midgley (4.30.25, well outside her PB) an excellent second.  Richard Anness (4.09.02) knocked 12 minutes off his PB, but even that performance was eclipsed by a rejuvenated Keith Wilson (4.02.42), despite his knees being supported by more bandages than the Invisible Man. 

Dave Pullman (4.20.14), Dot Pullman (4.44.00) and Karen Mitchell (5.02.29) were never in danger of  recreating the past glories of their personal bests, although strategic use of the London Underground might have helped, and in Dave’s case not stopping for a cigarette on Birdcage Walk would definitely have been an advantage.  Whatever their times, everybody who did the race on Sunday in those conditions can be very proud indeed of that 2007 London Marathon medal.