MONTHS of training and hard work paid off for 19 members of Okehampton Running Club who successfully completed the 2012 London Marathon.

This year's marathon saw the most members ever from the club taking part.

The club meets every Tuesday and Thursday, and all 19 runners had been training hard to ensure they completed the course in the best times possible. Several members ran for a variety of charities, and all the members posted impressive times, many with personal bests.

Club chairman Andy Vallance said: 'The day went very well, most people enjoyed it, though some found it harder than they expected.

'For ten of the runners it was their first London Marathon, and for most of those it was their first marathon. Some of them found it tough, as the weather was warmer than it had been forecast, and for the last three miles there was a head breeze, which is not what you want over the last stretch.

'We had 20 runners planned to take part, but sadly one of the team came down with food poisoning on Saturday, so couldn't take part.

'I think everyone had the generic feeling of stiff and sore legs, and it was interesting for me getting up at 6am the next day for work.'

Among the group's personal bests was Andy, who posted an impressive time of 2 hours and 44 minutes. This means he can take part in next year's marathon as an elite runner.

He said: 'It went very well for me, I am delighted to set that time. I will start with the elite runners next year, and I am very much looking forward to it.'

For more information on Okehampton Running Club, visit http://www.okehamptonrunningclub.com">www.okehamptonrunningclub.com