RUNNERS from Okehampton Running Club have been at it again, testing themselves in the heat and hubbub of the capital in the London Marathon. Ten runners from Okehampton Running Club converged on the capital to brave the marathon, with nine of them completing the arduous 26.2 mile challenge on a sunny spring day. Stephen Gentle led the way for the club with a hugely impressive time of 2:59:36, with Roger Voaden, a veteran of London and many other marathons, snapping at his heels with a great time of 3:02:13. Gavin Punchard was next home for the ORC boys with a time of 3:10:57, with Andrew Vallance completing the course in 3:17:08, and Paul Carter finishing in 3:21:47. Anne Binns, running her first ever marathon, led the ORC girls home in a brilliant time of 4:02:15. Next home was Times receptionist Jo Camies, setting a personal best of 4:16:47. Keri Quertier, also running her first ever marathon, set a great time of 4:25:27, with Jane Jackson completing in 4:34:24. The London Marathon is not just about running — the event is the biggest annual fundraising event in the world, and each year runners raise thousands of pounds for charity. Around 36,000 fun runners took part in this year's marathon. The Okehampton runners took up a variety of causes, raising plenty of money in the process. Times receptionist Jo Camies was one of those using the marathon to raise money – for the Okehampton College Parents, Teachers and Friends Association. To date, Jo has raised over £200 for the organisation. In 2011 she ran the marathon for premature baby charity Bliss. Jo said: 'It was very hot, but it went really well. It is an emotional day, but I was so happy to get round, and it was great to have my family there watching me run a marathon. 'Everyone at the club did very well on a hot day.' The elite men's race took much of the attention at this year's marathon, as double Olympic champion Mo Farah missed out on his bold bid to win the marathon. Running in his first competitive marathon, Farah finished in a commendable eighth place, missing out on the British marathon record by one minute and eight seconds. Wilson Kipsang, who won the elite men's race, set a new course record of 2:04:29. For more information on the marathon, visit http://www.virginmoneylondonmarathon.com">www.virginmoneylondonmarathon.com