TIMES staff Allan Herdman and Tom French were among those from West Devon who completed this year’s Virgin Money London Marathon on Sunday.

Allan, an accredited coach and former chairman of Tavistock Athletic Club, started his training regime in November and his dedication paid off, setting an incredible personal best of 3 hours 03 minutes 03 seconds. The time not only meant he shaved eight minutes off his previous personal best but that he finished fourth overall in his age group male 60 — a fantastic achievement among such a strong field of runners. He even finished ahead of runners like double Olympic gold medallist Dame Kelly Holmes.

Allan told Times Sport: ‘It all went to plan. I am pleased with the age category result too. The atmosphere was superb; it was my seventh London Marathon and it was the noisiest I’ve ever known it. In a way I was so focused on the run but it still keeps invading your mind.’

Meanwhile, deputy editor Tom French was happy to embrace the mantra ‘slow and steady wins the race’ in a time of 5.31.51. Tom only found out he had a place in the marathon at the end of January after receiving a charity place with Pulmonary Hypertension Association UK, though still managed to shave 22 minutes off his only other marathon time.

Tom said: ‘Running the London Marathon has been a long time ambition of mine and I can now tick it off the bucket list and put my feet up! It was an amazing experience, the crowds are so supportive around nearly the entire course.

‘I’d hoped to finish in under five hours and was on target for this until mile 18, when every muscle in my body started to protest! It was more about the experience and raising money for charity, both of which I’ve now done.’

To support Tom’s efforts visit www.justgiving.com/FrenchiedoestheLondon