After the fun and games of London there were more marathons for Fairlands Valley Spartans to enjoy - with a trip to Manchester on the agenda.

Eight undertook the journey with the event being Paul and Alison Shelley's second over the distance.

The Comet: Wendy Tharani and Fiona Clarke of Fairlands Valley Spartans at the Manchester Marathon.Wendy Tharani and Fiona Clarke of Fairlands Valley Spartans at the Manchester Marathon. (Image: Fairlands Valley Spartans)

Paul improved his personal best by 14 minutes to finish in three hours 13 minutes 36 seconds while Alison took 23 minutes off her previous with 4:13:16.

The Comet: Fiona and Matt Clarke of Fairlands Valley Spartans at the Manchester Marathon.Fiona and Matt Clarke of Fairlands Valley Spartans at the Manchester Marathon. (Image: Fairlands Valley Spartans)

Matt Clarke was pleased to beat four hours with a time of 3:58:01 while Fiona Clarke completed her third and final marathon of the year, all of which she has been raising money for East & North Hertfordshire Hospitals Trust.

The Comet: Matt Clarke of Fairlands Valley Spartans at the Manchester Marathon.Matt Clarke of Fairlands Valley Spartans at the Manchester Marathon. (Image: Fairlands Valley Spartans)

Wendy Tharani (4:38:55), David Pattman (4:01:07), Steven Dobner (4:12:53) and Liz Smith (5:10:34) were the others.

The Comet: Ollie Gorbas of Stevenage Striders after the Manchester Marathon.Ollie Gorbas of Stevenage Striders after the Manchester Marathon. (Image: Stevenage Striders)

Ollie Gorbas of Stevenage Striders also ran at Manchester, his 15th marathon, completing it in 3:32:50.

The Comet: Sarah Goodyear of Stevenage Striders after the Royal Parks Half Marathon.Sarah Goodyear of Stevenage Striders after the Royal Parks Half Marathon. (Image: Stevenage Striders)

Another Strider had an fine outing at the Royal Parks Half Marathon.

Sarah Goodyear finishing in 3:11, an impressive time considering she has recovered from having Leukaemia last year.