HALSTEAD Road Runners had seven members taking part in this year's London Marathon.

Jon Buist, who had struggled with injuries during training, was first back for the Road Runners in a time of three hours 32 minutes, while Simon Humphrey had a great run, exceeding his expectations and beating his previous personal best (PB) by 15 minutes to finish in 3h 45m.

Kathryn Bronson, who was successful in getting the single club place, finished in 3h 48m.

This was not very far off her personal best which was particularly impressive given she picked up some injuries during training including a painful Achilles.

Steve May, running his first ever marathon, completed the course in a respectable 3h 55m.

Laura Marfleet, also tackling the distance for the first time, ran with local marathon legend Andy Wilmot, who was running his 26th London and 711th marathon overall.

They crossed the line in 4h 20m.

Sara Burnham, running her third marathon, was over the moon to be part of the London experience after 11 years of trying to get a place and finished in 4h 57m.

Halstead Road Runners were raising money for a variety of charities including the Essex and Herts Air ambulance and the Halstead Day Centre.

Away from London, Mel Candler completed the Notley Spring Duathlon, knocking three minutes off her PB by coming in at 1h 16m overall on the 4km run, 21km bike, 4km run course.

She was also fourth in the open age category.