ONE year on after the Boston Marathon bombings took place and Penarth and Dinas Runners were back taking part in one of the most famous races in the world.

This year the club was fortunate to have three runners lining up on the start line, with Ian Warburton, Debbie Evans and Helen Griffiths all representing the club.

Along the course there was a fair few undulations, as well as the fear inducing Heartbreak Hill incline near the end, meaning that the race was unlikely to be good for personal best potential.

Their efforts were also compounded by the warm weather, with several runners sporting rather fetching sun tans after the race.

In the run up to the race Debbie Evans had shown tremendous form, hitting personal bests in races and excelling in club training sessions.

Unfortunately her efforts were hampered by stomach cramps in the last six miles, as well as her calfs seizing up, that meant she was unable to reach her potential.

Despite the disappointment, one ray of sunshine was that her time still secured her a Good For Age place for next years London Marathon.

She can still be heartily impressed with an impressive time of 3.45.27.

Helen Griffiths bounced back from the Paris Marathon just two weeks before as she ran consistently well to finish in 3.57.04.

Ian Warburton had been plagued by injury in the run up to the race, which he had qualified for after last years Manchester Marathon, as he had attempted to train for the 26.2mile marathon.

Unfortunately his calf injury struck with a vengeance after 5k, as he attempted to run the raced almost one legged, but he still managed to valiantly finish in a time of 4.27.59.

On Saturday, April 19, Yvonne Williams, Lisa Cleary and Andrea Hurman were crowned the 1st Masters team at the Lampeter 10 mile race. Yvonne, who was racing just a week after the London Marathon, was crowned 1st in her age category in the race that also formed part of the Welsh Championships. Lisa, another London runner, was also 3rd in her age category. Malcolm Bradley also took part in the race, in which Les Croupiers runner Martin Rees scooped yet another world record for his age category, over the age of 60, by more than five minutes.

On Good Friday Sara El-Khatib also took part in a trail marathon in Stratford-upon-Avon. Proceeds from the race were donated to the 'Teenage Cancer Trust' and 'Dance for Life', in commemoration of a local girl called Corinne West. In a tough and hilly race Sara ended up running more than 28miles, even after twisting her ankle, in just over five hours.

Penarth and Dinas Runners meet every Monday at 7pm at Penarth Leisure Centre. On May 12 they will be moving to Cosmeston for the summer.