Four exhausted and wobbly-kneed Newportovians are celebrating this week after flying the flag for the town and completing the London Marathon.
Father and daughter combination Martin and Amy Richardson took on the gruelling 26.2 mile course together.
While Newport Junior School teacher Nicola Fowles and Newport Rugby Club physio Emma Forrester completed the route in solo efforts.
After months of training, injuries, illness and setbacks Martin and Amy were delighted to cross the line with a time of five hours and 34 minutes.
They made a dream come true by completing the event together and between them have raised thousands of pounds for the research department at the Robert Jones & Agnes Hunt Orthopedic Hospital in Gobowen.
Having competed the event last year Martin was well accustomed to the route – however Amy had only managed to run just over half the distance in preparation.
Martin who also serves as a retained firefighter at Newport Fire Station said: “Given the fact that Amy had only ever ran a longest distance of 14 miles prior to race day due to injuries I was very proud of her achievements, as this was her first ever marathon.
“We would like to say a big thank you to everyone who has helped, donated and given kind words of encouragement. We have not collected all the money in yet but we have raised a total so far of £2000.”
Teacher Nicola fizzed around the course in four hours and 23 minutes raising £600 for Macmillan Cancer Relief.
She said: “We ran a competition at the school with pupils trying to guess the time I would finish in and pupil Eve Lincoln was the closest out of around 90 entries. Children paid 50p to guess the time, all money raised went to Macmillan and Eve received a Virgin London Marathon bear.
“I would like to thank everyone who entered the competition and those who sponsored me.”
Super-fit physio Emma Forrester managed to smash the four hour mark despite having to walk the last two miles.
She also raised £2000 for the Trauma Care charity and The Jennifer Trust.
“The support I received on the day was unbelievable, particularly from Newport Rugby Club and I was overwhelmed with the texts and emails I received,” said Emma.
“I injured myself during the race and my hip was cramping at 24 miles so I had to walk the last bit, but I am just very happy to have completed it.”
By Sam Pinnington