A NUMBER of local runners headed to Suffolk to take part in the Stour Valley Marathon last week, with two top 60 finishes.

Lloyd Richardson (Flyers Southend) came home in 41st place in an impressive time of 4 hours 43 minutes 45 seconds, with Colin Dunn (Castle Point Joggers) concluding in 5 hours two minutes in 59th place, having recently run the St Peter’s Way 45 Ultra Marathon.

In total, 19 Flyers Southend runners took part in the race through countryside in hot temperatures, with some of the hills as high as 1,250 ft.

Three Flyers were making their marathon debuts - Rachael Thornton and husband and wife duo Philip and Louise Young.

Following Richardson home was Alex Childs (5:08:26), Graham Purdham (5:33:18), Philip Young (5:34:56), first lady Flyer home Louise Young (5:34:57), James Wood (5:49:02), Dan Benwell (5:49:03), Rich Pryor (5:56:59), Mark Benham (6:26.13), Jo Dyson (6:26:14), Rachael Thornton (6:26:15), Jo Cole (6:26:15), Steve Nash (6:32:02), Anna Watkins (6:32:04), SueTaylor (6:32:13), Nicki Benham (6:42:32), Caroline Hargrave (6:42:33), Anne Purdham (6:42:35) and Keith Passingham (6:42:35).