IAN Brough led a nine-strong contingent from Vale Royal Athletics Club across the finish-line at the London Marathon on Sunday.

He dipped below the three-hour mark by 12 seconds in the capital, recording a personal-best 2:59.48.

Gemma Barnett and Helen Smith also lowered their previous lifetime bests, clocking 3:13.40 and 3:15.26 respectively ahead of debutant Richard Murray who timed 3:15.45.

Chris Swift was the next Vale Royal vest to the finish in 3:21.04.

Newcomer Nikki Cavanagh was another to record a personal best, completing the course in 3:27.58, while John Todd put behind him an injury-interrupted build-up to finish in 3:32.36.

Sarah Gibbs run of 3:46.48 was a new best, while Carole Williams timed 4:33.00.

Five Vale Royal runners contested the mini-marathon, a three-mile race on the main course that doubles as the British Athletics road championships for young athletes.

Josh Betteley and Arun Dight, representing the North West, timed 15.07 and 15.31 respectively in the under 17s boys’ category.

They classified 24th and 40th as a result.

Among the under 15s boys, Alfie Bould was ninth in 15.23 followed by John Humphries – who was 33rd in the age group – in 16.04.

Ed Pettitt crossed the line 33rd in the under 13s boys’ category after crossing the line in 17.17.