A SMALLER contingent of ORC runners than in recent years headed for the capital to take part in this year's Virgin London Marathon. Having only one member successful in the general ballot, three others gained entry through the club ballot with six others taking up their 'good for age' places and one having a charity place. On a sunny spring morning the capital looked at its best and a cool breeze meant the runners did not suffer from the heat as much as they feared. Stephen Gentle was the first ORC home with a superb run to break the 3 hour mark at 2.59.36, gaining a gold UKA award, with fast veteran Roger Voaden not far behind in 3.02.13, also a gold award. Next was Gavin Punchard in 3.10.57 (gold UKA) with Paul Carter also running well to finish in 3.21.47, (silver UKA), both saying this will be their last London Marathon. Former club chairman Andrew Vallance stunned everyone with his run as he had only had heart surgery five weeks before. Having qualified for an Elite entry two years ago, he was determined to take up that place before it expired even though he knew he would not be able to run his best, but still cruised home in 3.17.08, keeping an eye on his heart rate monitor all the way. Anne Binns, in her first marathon, ran an excellent, well paced race to finish in 4.02.15, gaining a silver award ahead of Jo Camies who improved on her previous London time by over 18mins finishing in 4.16.47 (bronze UKA). Keri Quertier was also running her first marathon and dispelled her worries about not finishing with a great run, coming home in 4.25.27 (bronze UKA). A newcomer to the club, Caroline Boother, was taking part in her first marathon, running for the NSPCC. The Hatherleigh Primary School headteacher finished in 5.56.10 raising a considerable sum for the charity. Two ORC members unfortunately went into the marathon with injuries sustained in training. Perry Vallance aggravated his hip injury early on and sadly was forced to retire after just two miles. Jane Jackson ran well until her already damaged calf muscle tore badly at Tower Bridge. With 14 miles to go and knowing her nominated charity, Parkinson's UK, would only benefit on her completion of the race, she decided to continue. Supported by the amazing crowds she limped home in 4.34.24 (silver award).