24 April 2016

In today’s Virgin Money London Marathon Alyson Dixon (self coached) and Callum Hawkins (Robert Hawkins) were the first British woman and man home.

In the women’s race, Alyson Dixon completed the race in 2:31:52 with Sonia Samuels (self coached)  just behind in 2:32:00.  The third British woman, Charlotte Purdue (Nic Bideau) clocked 2:32:48 on her marathon debut.

Following the race, Alyson Dixon said “The last few miles were tough, my legs were cramping up I’ve a blister on my toe, I was hurting but I was smiling and I feel incredible.  The crowd were amazing; they were so noisy.”

Sonia Samuels added “I am over the moon and I am so pleased.  I am ready for a good rest and some nice food.”

London 2012 Olympian Freya Ross (Steve Jones) finished 18 ^th in 2:37:52.

In the men’s race, Callum Hawkins (Robert Hawkins) finished 8 ^th in 2:10:52 with Tsegai Tewelde (John MacKay) finishing 12 ^th in 2:12:23. Third British man and 14 ^th overall was Derek Hawkins (Robert Hawkins) in 2:12:57.

A delighted Callum Hawkins said “The aim was to finish top two so I am really happy. My brother and my dad, who is my coach, have experience of running marathons so have helped me.  The last two miles were really tough as I had put a big dig in just over halfway.  The crowd were amazing, shouting my name and really helping me especially after those last two miles.”

Other British men finishing in the top 20 were Chris Thompson (Alan Storey) was 16 ^th in 2:15:05, Mathew Bond 17 ^th in 2:15:32, Robbie Simpson 18 ^th 2:15:38, Lee Merrien (Gavin Smith) 19 ^th 2:16:42 and Andrew Davies (Steve Vernon) 20 ^th in 2:17:45. 

In the men’s wheelchair race, also the IPC Athletics World Cup, David Weir (Jenny Archer) was third in 1:35:26 so remains a six times London Marathon winner, equal with Tanni Grey-Thompson. Simon Lawson (Ian Thompson) finished tenth in 1:37:02 while John Smith (Jenny Archer) was 18 ^th in 1:38:40.  

British athletes Jade Jones (Ian Thompson/Tanni Grey-Thompson) and Shelly Woods (Jenny Archer) had to drop out of the women’s wheelchair race following punctures.  

Also in the IPC Athletics World Cup Derek Rae (Ron Morrison) was 8 ^th in the T46 in 2:37:28.  He said “I felt good up to 22 miles but a three minute PB so I can’t complain.”

The British marathon team for the Rio Olympic Games will be announced on Tuesday.