PROUD runners have today returned to Ipswich with aches and pains from the London Marathon but also a great sense of achievement.The spirit of the great fundraising event was not dampened by the terrible weather with many completing the gruelling 26 miles and raising money for their chosen charities.

PROUD runners have today returned to Ipswich with aches and pains from the London Marathon but also a great sense of achievement.

The spirit of the great fundraising event was not dampened by the terrible weather with many completing the gruelling 26 miles and raising money for their chosen charities.

The Evening Star's own Bruce Wade completed the distance for Cancer and Leukaemia in Childhood (CLIC) in a time of 4 hrs and 46 mins.

Bruce, 54, hopes to donate in excess of £2,000 for the charity.

He said: "The conditions were horrendous. It didn't matter how much preparation you do the last six or seven miles were a real ordeal.

"But to finish was such a triumphant thing to experience, although at the moment I'm not sure if I want to do it again!"

Gallant grandfather Harold Bennett, of Kirton, Ipswich, finished in 5 hours and 30 minutes in aid of little heroine Terri Calvesbert, whose bravery after receiving horrific burns has touched the world.

He hopes to have raised around £500 for her fund, but found the conditions difficult.

"I have run a few marathons," said Mr Bennett, 69, who runs for Felixstowe Road Runners.

"But yesterday was a sheer downpour and it was a real tester.

"I am a bit sore today but otherwise elated because it was such a hard task.

"If it gives the little girl a bit more money then I hope others may follow."

And Kesgrave runner Robin Percy has come home battered and bruised in the knowledge he has raised more than £1,500 for Cancer Research.

Drenched to the bone but spurred on by the crowd, Percy, 43, shaved half an hour off his previous London Marathon two years ago to record a time of 4 hrs 30 mins.

"My clothing got wet and that makes your muscles get very cold," he said.

"But all the way round the support was fantastic. Every balcony was full and it really does encourage you."

N Did you complete the London Marathon? Contact the Evening Star to be included in our full roundup of runners later this week.

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