2026 marked the 46th running of The London Marathon and 8 Grantham Running Club members joined more than 50,000 runners at the start line in Greenwich, eager to take on the most iconic 26.2 mile race in the world.
This year, the London Marathon delivered a new world record for both the elite men’s and women’s races where ushering in a new era of marathon running. Sabastian Sawe forged his name in history for being the first runner to legally break the sub 2 hour time.
The event also reclaimed its Guinness book of record for having the largest number of finishers so all those who finished can claim their very own Guiness World Record certificate.
Conditions were nice and cool to start with but the temperature climbed as the miles ticked became less than favourable for running. Despite this, GRC’s persevered around the capital and were rewarded with incredible times and achievements.
With London’s famous crowds and plenty of GRC support out on the course—the club’s runners were carried through every high and low on their way to The Mall.
Leading the club home was Gavin Potter who, incredibly, was back in action just one week after running Manchester Marathon. Choosing to enjoy the occasion rather than chase the clock, Gavin still finished in an outstanding 2:52:49.
Peter Bonner was the next to cross the line for GRC. Despite illness before the race scuppering his final training block, Peter still went round in a fantastic time of 03:08:01.
Riley Maksymiw-Magan was next across the line, and what a marathon debut it was. Riley clocked a fantastic 03:09:59—made even more impressive by the fact he had broken his wrist only a few weeks earlier while BMXing 🤦
Another athlete making his debut over the distance was Paul Scott, who ran brilliantly from start to finish and earned a terrific time of 03:13:47.
Sam Dodwell was next home for the club. After a training block that included a couple of setbacks, Sam decided to enjoy the race rather than chase a time. He snuck under the 4 hour mark with 03:59:16.
Cameron Hoggan followed, and simply making the start line was an achievement in itself after deferring his place last year and spending nine months sidelined through injury. Camerone crossed the line in a great time of 04:24:40.
For Holly Wragg, the marathon was the fulfilment of the dream of completing the London Marathon. After an excellent training block that also brought a new 10K PB, Holly finished in 04:36:35, just shy of the PB she set in Manchester last year.
Harriet Morgan also took on the marathon for the first time while raising funds for the Sierra Leone Grammar School Old Boys’ Association UK. She crossed the finish line in a very respectable 04:54:26.
Not far behind came Luanne Morton, who finished in 05:01:28, just outside her personal best.
Completing the club’s London line-up was Paula Ebbins, another first-time marathoner and another runner raising funds for the Sierra Leone Grammar School Old Boys’ Association UK. Paula completed her debut in 05:48:20.
My Way (Virtual London Marathon)
GRC also had six members flying the flag in the Virtual London Marathon, with three joining hundreds of runners tackling the route in reverse at midnight.
Belinda Baker completed her virtual marathon in 06:30:56.
Alison Clark followed with a time of 06:32:51.
Holly Durham was close behind, finishing in 06:33:01.
Emma Hopkinson completed her challenge in 07:50:51.
Caroline Davis combined her virtual marathon with racing at the Tissington Trail Marathon, where she powered her way to 04:19:02.
Andrew Goddard chose the scenic roads of the Vale of Belvoir for his marathon effort and finished in 04:31:22.
