RUNNERS from Fairlands Valley Spartans were back in action after their exploits at the London Marathon. This time it was at the Shakespeare Marathon in Stratford-upon-Avon. The event is run on the last Sunday in April to celebrate the birthday of William

RUNNERS from Fairlands Valley Spartans were back in action after their exploits at the London Marathon.

This time it was at the Shakespeare Marathon in Stratford-upon-Avon.

The event is run on the last Sunday in April to celebrate the birthday of William Shakespeare.

Times: Paul Holgate 4-27:20, Mike Cannon 4-47:14, Martin Turpin 4-48:40, Michaela Sanders 5-00:05, Mark Sanders 5-03:25, Chris Leigh (half marathon) 1-50:23.

Roger Biggs was in Minot, North Dakota, on Saturday as he continued his quest to complete a marathon in every state of the USA.

This was state number 43, leaving just seven to go!

The Trestle Valley Marathon was also Roger's 400th marathon, with the race organisers giving him race number 400 in recognition.

Despite a couple of nasty hills, temperatures up to 80 degrees and a strong headwind for much of the first half, he finished in 3-46:44 which was enough for him to be second in the Vet 55-59 category.

Five days after the London Marathon, Jim Brown was racing again in the capital.

Brown completed the popular last Friday in the month Serpentine 5k in Hyde Park in 19:43. He was second Vet 50 and 49th overall.

Seven North Herts Road Runners competed in the Serpentine 5k in Hyde Park on a mild, dry, bright and breezy Friday.

The unstoppable Mr and Mrs McKeown ran brilliantly, with Steve first home in an amazing best time of 16:42, making him first Vet 35, and Astrid finishing second senior lady in 17:52.

Other outstanding performances came from Duncan Hooker 19:35 (fourth Vet 45), Jo Summers 21:05 (first female Vet 40), birthday boy Colin Calcutt 22:36, Chris Priestley 23:11 and Anna Priestley 23.38.

Allison Cook represented the Squirrels at the Shakespeare Marathon on Sunday.

Starting in Stratford town centre, the two-lap course was predominately flat and Allison finished in an excellent time of 4-22:42.

Not content with completing the Rome and London marathons within the last five weeks, Gary and Lindsay Cook took part in a 15k trail race in the Lake District on Saturday.

The 15k circuit took in the panoramic views of Lake Windermere and the surrounding peaks of the Coniston Hills, the Langdales and most of the Lakeland fells. Gary finished in a time of 1-18:12 and Lindsay 2-04:31.