Paul Pollock (Kent AC) enjoyed a fine run to finish second Briton overall in 2hr17min10sec at the 33rd Virgin London Marathon on Sunday morning.

The Northern Ireland runner was 33 seconds ahead of his Kent team mate John Gilbert, who took 1min24sec from his previous best time to finish 15th overall in 2hr17min43sec. Derek Hawkins from Scotland (13th, 2:16:50) was the only Briton in the elite field to finish ahead of the Kent AC athletes.

Local men under three and a quarter hours and sub-three and a half hour women included Medway and Maidstone AC’s Anthony Harkin (2:37:43), David Henderson (M40, 2:42:35), Tom Collins (2:43:56) and Bernadette Harrop (W35, 3:22:20).

There was a top class effort from Sittingbourne Striders' Anthony Jackson (pictured) (2:33:58) supported by Neil Hacon (M40, 3:03:36), Kris Noble (3:06:32) and Martyn Sedge (M50, 3:08:05).

Maidstone Harriers saw strong runs from James Dutton (3:04:46), Adrian Perkins (M40, 3:08:54), Mike Murdoch (M45, 3:11:53) and Lucy Tomlinson (W40, 3:23:46).

Larkfield had Stephen Throssell (2:47:41) well up and joined inside three hours by Martin Taylor (M40, 2:58:31). David Thompson (M45, 3:02:53) also impressed with Sarah Mooney (3:19:59) and Kim Howes (W45, 3:22:23).

Tunbridge Wells’ top racers included John Law (2:43:34), Matthew Clark (M40, 2:54:41) and Geoff Turner (M50, 3:12:13). Paddock Wood had Peter Buckingham (M40, 3:13:15) and Mike Walter (3:17:51) prominent.

Dartford Road Runners saw four athletes finish inside three hours. John O’Sullivan (M45, 2:51:30), Andrew Green (M40, 2:54:43), Hazel Vuvi (2:54:48) and Robert White (M40, 2:55:46) were the quality quartet.

The most impressive Kent women’s run came from Gravesend Road Runners’ Mel Frazier (2:51:15) and together with Annabelle Stearns (W40, 2:58:02) had clearly prepared thoroughly for sub-three hour efforts. Mark Mellon M40, 3:11:02) was their top man in action.