SOUTH Essex runners took the streets of the capital in a bid to smash records at this year’s London Marathon.

Benfleet Running Club ran a number of sub three hour times, as runners from the club secured several personal bests on Sunday, as well as raising thousands of pounds for charity.

The first man home was James Caldon in a terrific time of 2h 46m 26s and he was the first of five to finish under three hours, with Terry Spooner (2:49:27s), Peter Stalley (2:51:54 PB), Nicholas Rankin (2:52:20s), Andrew Low (2:53:39s) and John Gould (2:57:42) all securing excellent finishes.

Matt Harper-Ward also secured a Guinness World Record by running in a full snowboarding suit, including boots, helmet and a snowboard in 5:46.

Southend ACs best finisher was James Campion, as he stopped the clock in a time of 3:15:05, as he was presented with a trophy by vice president Jimmy Lowen to mark his 60th anniversary as member of the club.

It appeared as though Paul Whittaker was on course to be the quickest man home at the halfway stage. He was recorded at 1:09:01 after 13 miles but he dropped out with five miles to go. The first female finisher was Tracy English (3:22.43).

Leigh-on-Sea Striders had 21 athletes start the marathon and it was Matibini Matibini that crossed the line ahead of the rest in a very fast time of 2:49:16 as he delighted in the support of the London crowds.

Neil Spicer also finished in under three hours (2:54:43).

Stephanie Simpson was first female back for Leigh in her first London Marathon, with a very impressive personal best of 3:15:20.

Club chairman Mark Dobson said: “Congratulations to the amazing people who ran the London Marathon, truly incredible performances from everyone. I hope you are all wearing your giant medals with pride.”

A host of Flyers Southend runners completed the marathon cheered on by their families and the vocal Flyers support crew.

They were also encouraged on their way by the Flyers marshalling around the 20 mile mark on Poplar High Street.

A special mention goes to Sean McFarlane, Nicki Benham and Maggie Campbell-Freeman who all ran the Brighton Marathon the week before, with Leigh’s Marita Neville also completing the feat.

Flyers’ first runner home was David Miller in 3:09:56

Castle Point Joggers’ Martin England completed the marathon in a time of 3:21, raising more than £2,400 for St Luke’s Hospice Basildon, while Ray Selwyn ran his 20th London Marathon and Ben Avery ran dressed as a pea pod finishing in a time of 4:03:07.

A full list of results, listed by club are below.

Southend AC: James Campion 3:15.05, Tracy English 3:22:43; Andrew Coombes 3:38.31, Anne Jenkinson 3:42.20. Leigh Striders: Matibini Matibini 2:49:16, Neil Spicer 2:54:43, Elliott Cone 3:06:37, David Miller 3:09:56, James Burns 3:10:41, Stephanie Simpson 3:15:20, Nikki Baynes 3:22:43, Joe Moreline 3:34:09, Rachel Riggs 3:48:14, Brendon Knoetze 3:52:59, Katie Spicer 3:57:05, James Shoobert 4:02:46, Marita Neville 4:08:02, Clint Beagle 4:28:40, Jodie Willis 4:40:57, Theresa Philips 4:58:44, Martin Diggines 5:09:59, Tim Ketterer 5:12:59, Sarah Nash 5:18:24, Carla Allison 5:19:18, Dee Meech 5:27:57. Flyers Southend: David Miller 3:09:56, Sean McFarlane 3:25:26, Andy Coombes 3:38:00, Ali Killick-Haywood 4:10:00, Suzanne Hoff 4.14.00, Rich Farr 4:16:40, Jo Cole 4:21:18, Chris Parker 4:35:35, Nicki Benham 4:36:00, Ben Harringley 6:18:00, Maggie Campbell-Freeman 6:19:00. Benfleet RC: Michael Valbonesi 3:09, David Miller 3:09, Daniel Carter 3:10, Adam Matthews 3:10, Jayne Stacey 3:39 PB, Roy Harwood 3:39 PB, Tom Byrne 3:45, Jessica Dudley 3:55 PB, Tommi Gillingwater 4:01, Dennis Dudley 4:04, Alison Horsley 4:05, Darren Abbott 4:09 PB, Dan Verillo 4:10, Stephen Burton 4:18, Greg Lloyd 4:18, Mel Anthony 4:31, Angela Benfield 4:35, Jan Jolley 4:3m PB, Sarah Norton 4:45, Bob Chapman 4:50, Becky Smith 5:15, Caroline Dudley 5:26, Lynda Crisp 5:29, Emily Heathersen 5:29, Lee Allen 5:45, Rianne Robertson 5:49, Matt Harper-Ward 5:46, Peter and Sylvia Watson 7:07. Castle Point Joggers: Martin England (M50-54) 3:21:36, Ray Selwyn (M60-64) 3:48:31, Ben Avery (M18-39) and Nigel Thorne (M45-49) 4:03:07, Val McCullagh (F60-64) 05:42:58 PB, Daniel Hobbs (M18-39) 4:17:47 PB.